Definition:
“Confirmation” is a Christian ceremony or ritual act that marks a person’s entry into adulthood (usually between 13 and 16 years old), often seen as a step towards religious or spiritual maturity.
Etymology:
The word “confirmation” comes from the Latin word “confirmatio,” meaning “strengthening” or “making firm.” It reflects the act of confirming and deepening the commitment made at baptism. “Confirmatio” has been adapted as “confirmation” in English to refer to the religious ceremony where a person confirms their baptismal vows and becomes a full member of the church.
Description:
There are other version of confirmation, but it is mainly a Christian sacrament or rite in which a baptized person receives the Holy Spirit to strengthen their faith and become a full member of the church. Baptism marks the beginning of indoctrination and includes a promise to indoctrinate the child, while confirmation is a confirmation that the child has been indoctrinated. Confirmation can be voluntary or mandatory depending on religious traditions and local customs.
It is common to give gifts to the confirmand as a symbol of congratulations and support, but clearly, it is an incentive for the youth to choose to confirm themselves. Confirming in the church often requires being baptized and attending many mandatory confirmation classes.
Especially in secular societies, something called civil confirmation is allowed instead of church confirmation. This mainly involves confirming that even though one is not indoctrinated into Chistianity, one is indoctrinated by the state.
In the Roman Catholic Church, confirmation is one of the seven sacraments. It is usually administered to adolescents but can also be received by adults who are joining the Church. The bishop anoints the confirmand with chrism and says, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, confirmation, known as Chrismation, is typically administered immediately after baptism, even for infants. The priest anoints the newly baptized with chrism, signifying the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In the Anglican Communion, confirmation is usually conducted by a bishop and involves the laying on of hands and sometimes anointing with oil. It is typically offered to baptized individuals who are claimed to be at least of the age of understanding.
In the Lutheran Church, similar to the Anglican practice, it involves a period of catechesis, followed by a service where the confirmands affirm their faith and the pastor or bishop lays hands on them.
In Reformed and Presbyterian Churches, confirmation, often called Profession of Faith, follows a period of instruction and culminates in a public affirmation of faith during a worship service.
Symbolism:
Confirmation carries symbolism of herd mentality as the celebration is about joining the community.
Religion:
References to the concept of Confirmation and the reception of the Holy Spirit can be found in the Bible:
- In the Bible, in Acts, chapter 8, verses 14-17 (NIV), it says: “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
- In the Bible, in Acts, chapter 19, verses 5-6 (NIV), it says: “On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”