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Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the and a significant in various Christian traditions, including , , and , whereby a baptized person receives the strengthening of the to affirm their faith, deepen their commitment to Christ, and bear witness to . In the Catholic , it completes the grace of as part of the sacraments of Christian initiation, binding the recipient more perfectly to the Church, the , and equipping them to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. The typically involves the by a (or delegated in some cases) and anointing with oil, accompanied by the words "Be sealed with the Gift of the [Holy Spirit](/page/Holy Spirit)," symbolizing an indelible spiritual mark akin to a being armed for battle. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the equivalent sacrament is known as Chrismation, which is administered immediately following Baptism—even to infants—to impart the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit through anointing with holy chrism on the forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, chest, hands, and feet, completing the initiation into the full life of the Church. Unlike the Western practice of delaying Confirmation until adolescence or adulthood, Chrismation emphasizes the immediate bestowal of the Holy Spirit's gifts, such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord, enabling the recipient to participate fully in the Eucharist from the outset. Among Protestants, Confirmation serves primarily as a public affirmation of rather than a distinct conferral of . In the , as outlined in the , it is the "Order of Confirmation, or Laying on of Hands upon those that are baptized and come to years of discretion," where candidates, typically youth, renew their baptismal promises and receive the bishop's prayer for an increase of the to strengthen them for service in the Church. Similarly, in Lutheran churches, such as those of the , Confirmation—often termed Affirmation of Baptism—involves instruction in Christian followed by a public , where the confirmand vows to live according to God's Word and remain true to the Triune God, with the by the invoking the 's continued guidance. These rites underscore maturity in and communal commitment, varying in status across denominations but universally rooted in biblical precedents like the apostolic in Acts 8:14-17 and 19:6.

Overview and Historical Development

Definition and Significance

Confirmation is a Christian that invokes the upon a baptized individual, conferring spiritual strength and maturity in faith. In Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, it is recognized as one of the seven , completing the process of Christian initiation alongside and the . In many Protestant denominations, such as Lutheran and Reformed churches, it functions as a or ordinance rather than a , emphasizing a personal affirmation of and commitment to Christian living. The significance of lies in its role to deepen the graces received in , rooting the recipient more firmly in divine life, incorporating them into the , and equipping them to to the faith through word and action. It bestows the seven gifts of the —wisdom, understanding, , fortitude, , , and fear of the Lord—enabling the individual to grow in holiness and resist . This outpouring of the , akin to at , strengthens the baptized for mature discipleship and full participation in the sacraments. Symbolically, the often includes the with oil on the forehead, signifying consecration and the seal of the , accompanied by the and the renewal of al promises. Unlike , which primarily effects the cleansing of and initial incorporation into Christ, Confirmation focuses on the maturation and fortification of that grace, marking a distinct stage of spiritual development.

Origins in Early Christianity

The roots of Confirmation trace back to accounts of the apostles laying hands on baptized believers to impart the , as described in :14-17, where and pray and lay hands on converts so that they might receive the , and in Acts 19:1-6, where lays hands on disciples in who then speak in tongues and prophesy. These practices illustrate an early association between and a subsequent invoking the Spirit's gifts, distinct from the baptismal washing itself. By the fourth century, as the Church expanded, a practical separation emerged between baptism, often performed by presbyters in local communities, and the post-baptismal anointing or laying on of hands, reserved for bishops to signify episcopal authority and the fullness of the Spirit. This distinction arose due to the increasing number of baptisms and the geographical limitations on bishops' availability, leading to confirmation being administered later. An early example appears in Hippolytus's Apostolic Tradition (c. 215 AD), which describes the bishop, after baptism, laying hands on the newly baptized, anointing them with oil, and invoking the Holy Spirit with a prayer such as, "I anoint you with holy oil in God the Father Almighty, and Christ Jesus, and the Holy Ghost." Patristic writings further developed this rite, with Cyril of Jerusalem in his Mystagogical Catecheses (c. 350 AD) explaining the post-baptismal anointing as a "sealing" with the Holy Spirit, likening it to the oil that strengthens athletes and protects warriors, thereby confirming the believer's union with Christ and empowerment against evil. Cyril emphasized the anointing's role in bestowing the Spirit's gifts, stating, "Having been baptized into Christ, and put on Christ, you have been made conformable to the Son of God; or rather, you have been united to Christ himself," through this sacred chrism. By the medieval period in the West, particularly under in the 8th and 9th centuries, solidified as a distinct administered exclusively by bishops, often separated from by years or even decades, to emphasize its role in completing Christian and integrating the faithful into the Church's structure. This consolidation reflected broader liturgical reforms under Carolingian influence, standardizing the rite across regions. In contrast, the Eastern Church maintained continuity, with —equivalent to —administered immediately after by priests using consecrated by bishops, preserving the ancient unity of rites from apostolic times onward.

Theological and Scriptural Foundations

Scriptural Basis

The scriptural basis for Confirmation draws from prefigurations of as a sign of consecration and empowerment by God's Spirit, which foreshadow the Christian rite. In the , with oil symbolized the setting apart of individuals for divine service, particularly to offer sacrifices, prophets to proclaim God's word, and to lead and protect the people. For instance, the prophet anointed with oil, and "the spirit of the Lord rushed upon from that day forward," marking his empowerment for kingship (1 Samuel 16:13). Similar anointings occurred for figures like (1 Samuel 10:1) and as prophet (1 Kings 19:16), establishing a of the Holy Spirit's descent for mission and strength. In the , these themes are fulfilled through ' promises and the early Church's practices, linking Confirmation to a distinct outpouring of the . promised the disciples another , or , the , who would teach and remind them of his teachings: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another to be with you always, the Spirit of truth" (:16-17; see also :26). This promise culminated at , when the descended upon the apostles as tongues of fire, filling them with power to witness boldly (:1-4). Catholic and interpretations view this event as the prototype for Confirmation, providing the Spirit's gifts for beyond initial faith. Further New Testament passages illustrate the rite's practice through the apostles' imposition of hands, often separate from baptism, to confer the . In , after baptized converts, apostles and laid hands on them, and "they received the gift of the " (Acts 8:14-17). Similarly, encountered disciples in who had received only John's baptism; after baptizing them in Jesus' name and laying hands on them, the came upon them with extraordinary gifts (Acts 19:5-6). The lists "the " alongside as a foundational teaching ( 6:2), supporting its role in completing . These accounts are interpreted in sacramental traditions as evidence of Confirmation's , where the Spirit's fullness strengthens the baptized for , distinct from baptism's cleansing. Debates persist among Christian traditions on whether Scripture mandates Confirmation as a separate or integrates the Spirit's reception fully with . Catholic and Eastern exegesis emphasizes the distinct moments in Acts as apostolic precedent for a second , while many Protestant interpreters, such as evangelicals, argue that the is imparted at or alone, viewing laying on of hands as commissioning rather than sacramental conferral (e.g., no explicit for ongoing separation in the texts). This interpretive divide highlights Scripture's emphasis on the Spirit's empowering role without prescribing uniform ritual forms.

Core Doctrinal Concepts

In , Confirmation is regarded as one of the , alongside and , completing the process of incorporating believers into the life of the . In Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, it is a that confers an indelible spiritual character on the soul, marking the recipient permanently as a member of Christ's body and equipping them for a deepened participation in the Church's mission. This character, akin to that received in , cannot be repeated and signifies a strengthening for bearing witness to the faith. In contrast, many Protestant denominations, such as Lutheran and Anglican, do not view Confirmation as a conferring new but as a or ordinance that affirms the baptismal through public , serving as a to encourage mature discipleship. The primary effects of Confirmation center on a fuller outpouring of the , increasing sanctifying and empowering the recipient for Christian witness. In Catholic , it roots the baptized more deeply in divine , unites them more firmly to Christ, enhances the gifts of the , perfects their bond with the , and provides special strength to defend and spread the faith as witnesses. similarly describes (the equivalent rite) as imparting the "seal of the gift of the ," granting divine energy for spiritual growth and participation in the divine life, completing the of by enabling resistance to sin and active service in the . Among Protestants, the effects are understood as a renewal of baptismal promises, fostering personal commitment and reliance on the for holy living, though without the sacramental conferral of an indelible mark. Within the economy of , Confirmation plays a pivotal role by perfecting Baptismal , strengthening the believer against , and confirming the promises made at on their behalf. It transforms the initial incorporation through into a more robust commitment, enabling the recipient to live out their as a soldier of Christ in the world. This completion emphasizes growth in holiness and mission, aligning the individual more fully with the of Christ's death and resurrection. Across Christian traditions, ecumenical commonalities in Confirmation highlight the rite's emphasis on the gifts of the , as enumerated in :2-3—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—which empower believers for ethical and apostolic . These gifts, invoked during the , underscore a shared conviction that the equips the for unity and service, even amid differing understandings of efficacy.

Practices Across Christian Traditions

Catholic and Eastern Views

In the , the of Confirmation is administered preferably by a , who anoints the of the baptized with sacred while pronouncing the words, "Be sealed with the Gift of the ." Priests may confer the under certain conditions, such as when delegated by the , but the must always be consecrated by a . The rite typically includes a renewal of baptismal promises by the candidates, emphasizing their commitment to Christian life, and is usually received after (around seven years) in the Latin Rite, though in many dioceses it is administered during adolescence, and the or may establish an earlier age for or grant exceptions. This completion of Christian initiation strengthens the baptized for witness and service. The effects of Confirmation in Catholicism include the bestowal of an increase in the gifts of the to root the recipient more deeply in divine filiation, incorporate them more firmly into Christ, and strengthen their bond with the . It imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual character, configuring the person to Christ as , , and , which cannot be effaced and equips them for a share in the priestly ministry of Christ. This doctrine was affirmed by the in 1547, which decreed that , like and , imprints a spiritual and indelible sign on the soul, rendering repetition impossible. In the Eastern Catholic Churches and Eastern Orthodox traditions, the sacrament is known as Chrismation and is inseparably linked to Baptism, administered immediately afterward by a priest using holy myron (chrism) that has been pre-consecrated by a bishop or patriarch. The anointing occurs on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, chest, hands, and feet, symbolizing the reception of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of the person's being, with the priest declaring, "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." This practice underscores the unity of the initiation sacraments, viewing Chrismation as the completion of Baptism rather than a separate rite. Western Catholic traditions in the Confirmation rite feature prayers that explicitly invoke the seven gifts of the —wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—as described in Isaiah 11:2-3, to empower the confirmed for mature Christian living. In contrast, Eastern traditions emphasize the , or divine manifestation, at Christ's , where the descended like a dove, paralleling the Spirit's descent in to illuminate the newly baptized as participants in the divine life. This connection highlights and as a single event reenacting the , fostering immediate communion with the . Recent emphases in Catholic practice, particularly through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), promote Confirmation for adults alongside and to restore the full unity of initiation sacraments, as encouraged by post-Vatican II liturgical reforms. This approach, detailed in the United States Catholic for Adults, supports mature converts in receiving all three sacraments at the , enhancing their integration into the Church's mission.

Protestant Variations

In Protestant traditions, Confirmation generally serves as a rite of passage emphasizing personal affirmation of faith, catechetical instruction, and commitment to Christian living, diverging from Catholic sacramental theology by focusing on educational preparation and public profession rather than conferring indelible grace. This reformist approach, rooted in the sixteenth-century Reformation, prioritizes the individual's conscious embrace of baptismal vows over ritual anointing, often integrating communal support and doctrinal teaching to foster mature discipleship. While practices vary by denomination, they commonly involve instruction in core beliefs, a public declaration, and pastoral involvement, reflecting a shared emphasis on scripture and personal piety over hierarchical administration. Lutheran Confirmation involves extensive catechetical instruction in Lutheran doctrine, culminating in the laying on of hands by the pastor to invoke the Holy Spirit's strengthening. This practice, which prepares youth for full participation in the church, serves as a means of grace through word and prayer, reinforcing the communal affirmation of baptism without viewing it as one of the two primary sacraments (Baptism and Eucharist). In Anglicanism, Confirmation follows post-baptismal instruction where candidates, typically youth, study the Creed, Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments, and Catechism before publicly affirming their faith. Performed by a bishop, the rite involves the laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy Spirit's gifts, enabling the confirmed to receive Holy Communion and take on church responsibilities. Outlined in the Book of Common Prayer, this practice emphasizes renewal of baptismal promises made on behalf of infants, promoting a voluntary commitment to Anglican doctrine and worship. Methodist Confirmation preparation draws from John Wesley's emphasis on personal piety and communal accountability, often involving class meetings or small groups for doctrinal study and . Candidates explore Methodist heritage, including Wesley's teachings on and holiness, before receiving a pastor's and affirming their baptismal in a . This approach, influenced by Wesley's revivalist methods, integrates to encourage lifelong discipleship within the . Among Reformed and Presbyterian churches, Confirmation manifests as a public profession of faith following rigorous catechism instruction, often without the laying on of hands though some include it as a symbolic act, as it is not considered a sacrament but a covenantal affirmation. Guided by the Westminster Confession (1646) and Larger Catechism, which limit sacraments to Baptism and the Lord's Supper, the rite allows youth to declare personal belief in Christ and join the church as full members, underscoring accountability to Reformed theology. Other Protestant groups incorporate communal affirmation rites with prophetic or ecumenical elements, where blessings or vows serve as confirmatory practices emphasizing spiritual commitment. In United Protestant traditions like the , ecumenical blends shape the rite as an affirmation of through instruction and vows, fostering inclusive commitment across denominational lines. In the , evangelical settings have shifted toward confirmation programs that promote personal faith ownership through interactive mentoring, service projects, and digital resources, adapting traditional rites to engage adolescents amid cultural changes. These trends prioritize relational discipleship over rote memorization, aiming to retain in church life.

Variations in Rite and Participation

Choice of Confirmation Name

In the and certain Anglican traditions, the practice of selecting a Confirmation name involves choosing the name of a to serve as a patron, invoking their and aspiring to emulate their virtues in one's Christian life. This custom fosters a personal connection to the , encouraging the confirmand to draw inspiration from the holy person's example during challenges in . While not a universal requirement, it underscores the sacrament's role in deepening spiritual maturity. The historical origins of this practice trace back to synodal decrees in the 15th and 16th centuries, which sanctioned the adoption of a new name to enhance Christian identity, particularly if the baptismal name was deemed inappropriate. For instance, the Fifth Council of Milan, convened under St. in 1579, mandated a new name in cases where the original was "vile, ridiculous, or quite unbecoming for a Christian." Although linked to broader medieval traditions of naming during sacramental rites like , the custom gained prominence in and was not explicitly formalized in the of 1614, which focused on the rite's core elements rather than naming. Over time, it evolved into a devotional act emphasizing patronage by saints. The significance of the Confirmation name lies in its symbolism of spiritual adoption by the chosen , thereby strengthening the confirmand's sense of belonging to the and reinforcing their commitment to holiness. This act represents a maturation in , where the individual publicly aligns themselves with a heavenly intercessor to guide their moral and spiritual growth. It also highlights the sacrament's transformative nature, marking a deeper integration into the Church's mystical body. The process of selecting a Confirmation name typically occurs during catechetical preparation, where candidates reflect on saints' lives through prayer, research, and discussion with mentors such as parents, godparents, or priests. Choices are often based on personal admiration for the saint's virtues, shared interests, or family traditions, though some dioceses permit retaining the baptismal name to emphasize continuity between sacraments. This preparation is not mandatory everywhere, allowing flexibility while encouraging intentional devotion. Variations exist across Christian traditions; the rarely incorporates a separate Confirmation name, as immediately follows and uses the baptismal name for patronal identity. In Protestant denominations, including many Anglican communities, the practice is encouraged informally as a way to honor a biblical figure or but is not formalized as part of the rite, which focuses more on personal .

Repetition and Renewal of Confirmation

In the Catholic and Eastern traditions, (or in the ) is regarded as irrepeatable due to the indelible spiritual character it imparts on the soul, marking the recipient permanently as a member of Christ's body and a soldier for the . This character, akin to that received in , ensures the of the [Holy Spirit](/page/Holy Spirit) cannot be lost or reapplied through repetition, as it configures the person indelibly to Christ. Instead, renewal focuses on recommitting to the graces already received, such as through the public renewal of baptismal and promises during the , where the entire assembly professes and rejects sin to strengthen their ongoing Christian witness. Protestant approaches to Confirmation differ markedly, treating it less as an indelible and more as a of that can be renewed or repeated to reflect maturing belief. In , for instance, renewal services like the annual —rooted in Wesley's tradition—invite believers to recommit to God's covenant through vows of service and repentance, often held on to foster spiritual without implying a redo. Lutheran churches similarly offer adult or "affirmation of " for individuals who were baptized as infants but seek to publicly own their faith later in life, emphasizing over repetition. In the , ecumenical dialogues addressed Confirmation's validity across traditions, leading to conditional recognitions in some cases for converts. Modern practices across denominations emphasize spiritual renewal without sacramental repetition, aligning with post-Vatican II emphases on lifelong commitment. Catholic Confirmation retreats and anniversary celebrations, for example, encourage participants to revisit their promises through prayer and community, reinforcing the initial amid contemporary challenges. Theologically, this approach balances the permanence of Confirmation's —which equips believers enduringly for —with the human inclination toward forgetfulness and growth, necessitating periodic recommitments to sustain fidelity.

Analogous Rites in Other Contexts

Jewish Confirmation Practices

Jewish Confirmation emerged in the early within the movement in as a modern , serving as an alternative to the traditional bar mitzvah, which at the time was primarily for boys and focused on ritual obligations rather than doctrinal affirmation. The ceremony was first introduced in 1810 by Israel Jacobson, a prominent philanthropist and early leader, at a temple school in Seesen, where it marked the completion of for both boys and girls through a public . This innovation drew inspiration from Protestant confirmation practices and aimed to align Jewish education with ideals of ethical and theological commitment, rather than strict adherence to halakhic (Jewish legal) requirements. The structure of the rite emphasizes extensive educational preparation, typically spanning several years of religious school from grades 7 through 10, where participants study , , history, and contemporary issues to foster a personal connection to . Culminating at ages 15 to 16, the ceremony involves a public affirmation of faith during a service, often held on to symbolize the receiving of the , with students leading prayers, delivering speeches on their Jewish journeys, and receiving certificates of completion. Unlike biblically mandated rituals, Confirmation is not rooted in ancient Jewish law but represents a voluntary, informed to embrace and values. Its significance lies in promoting a deliberate, mature commitment to Judaism, contrasting with the more obligatory nature of earlier rites like bar mitzvah, and it underscores themes of personal agency and ethical responsibility central to thought. Today, the practice is widespread in and Conservative congregations, where it serves as a capstone to youth education and a bridge to adult involvement in Jewish life. Ceremonies typically include family participation, such as presentations or blessings, along with the awarding of personalized certificates, though elements like candle lighting may appear in associated celebrations to honor individual paths. The rite spread to the in the mid-19th century through German Jewish immigrants, with Rabbi formalizing it in 1846 at his congregation as part of American Judaism's growth. In the 21st century, adaptations have enhanced inclusivity, particularly for interfaith families, by welcoming non-Jewish parents into the process and tailoring curricula to address diverse backgrounds while affirming Jewish heritage. This evolution reflects broader efforts to make accessible and relevant in multicultural contexts.

Secular and Non-Religious Confirmations

Secular and non-religious confirmations, often termed civil or humanist coming-of-age ceremonies, developed primarily in the as responses to declining and across , where traditional religious rites no longer resonated with growing numbers of non-religious families. These programs provide structured alternatives to Christian confirmation, focusing on ethical development, personal reflection, and civic commitment for adolescents transitioning to adulthood. By the mid-20th century, organized humanist groups in and formalized these ceremonies to fill the cultural gap left by , emphasizing human-centered values over beliefs. In , the Humanist Confirmation (Humanistisk konfirmasjon) was pioneered in 1951 by the Norwegian Humanist Association (Human-Etisk Forbund), with the first event in involving 34 teenagers who discussed and existential questions before a public ceremony. Aimed at youth aged 14-16, the program consists of 10-12 weekly workshops that foster independent thinking and ethical action through topics like , , environmental responsibility, and , culminating in a pledge to humanistic principles during a celebratory gathering. This rite marks a voluntary commitment to rational inquiry and , without religious elements, and has grown to attract around 20% of youth annually by the 2020s. Similar initiatives emerged in the through the Dutch Humanist Association (Humanistisch Verbond), founded in 1946, with civil confirmation ceremonies developing in the 1950s and expanding in the 1960s as secular alternatives to church rites amid rapid de-pillarization and declining religious affiliation. These events for teenagers include preparatory sessions on life , , and societal roles, ending in a public affirmation of personal and civic values, reflecting the association's emphasis on and non-theistic worldviews. In , the Ethical Humanist Association (Siðmennt) introduced civil confirmations (borgaraleg ferming) in 1989, offering a 12-week course tailored to adolescents on humanistic subjects like , , and current global issues, followed by a group or personalized ceremony featuring a declaration of humanist commitment. Participation has surged, with significant growth including an 85% increase between 2007 and 2012, and annual cohorts of around 750 youth as of 2023, representing approximately 15% of the age group amid broader secular trends. Across , these programs vary by incorporating local cultural contexts, such as workshops on in settings or rights-based discussions in multicultural areas, and have been adapted for immigrant to blend diverse backgrounds with core humanist themes of and . In the United States, secular "" ceremonies, often facilitated by humanist or ethical societies, emphasize personal maturity, civic duty, and ethical decision-making as rites replacing religious milestones, with examples including reflective presentations and community pledges focused on .

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