A casual acquaintance of mine recently decided to become an Orthodox Christian, coming from an extremely liberal background (possibly atheism). However, she has refused to describe herself as a Christian, only as somebody in the process of conversion, even as she proceeds to go through the motions.
I am vaguely aware that at least for awhile, the early Christians required a two year period to become a Christian.
To me, this seems at odds with the account in Acts where the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized immediately upon hearing the gospel. Also, if Jesus could come at any time, why would one want to put off being baptized or calling oneself a Christian? (This seems especially incongruous given how widespread the belief was in the early church that baptism was an absolute requirement for salvation, but I'm thinking in terms of today.)
I am vaguely aware that at least for awhile, the early Christians required a two year period to become a Christian.
To me, this seems at odds with the account in Acts where the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized immediately upon hearing the gospel. Also, if Jesus could come at any time, why would one want to put off being baptized or calling oneself a Christian? (This seems especially incongruous given how widespread the belief was in the early church that baptism was an absolute requirement for salvation, but I'm thinking in terms of today.)
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