Confirmation is a Christian sacrament in which a baptized person affirms their faith and receives the Holy Spirit, often through the laying on of hands by a bishop or priest. It is considered a rite of passage in many Christian denominations, symbolizing spiritual maturity and the believer’s deeper commitment to living out their faith.

Key Concepts:

1. Affirmation of Faith:
   Confirmation is an individual’s personal affirmation of the faith that was initially professed on their behalf during baptism, especially in the case of infant baptism.
2. Receiving the Holy Spirit:
   The laying on of hands in confirmation is believed to impart the Holy Spirit, empowering the individual to live a Christian life and carry out the mission of the church.
3. Strengthening in Faith:
   Confirmation is seen as strengthening the believer’s faith, equipping them for greater involvement in the church community and spiritual growth.

Controversy:

1. Lack of Direct Instruction from Jesus:
   Confirmation is not explicitly mentioned in the teachings or actions of Jesus. While he encouraged baptism (Matthew 28:19), there is no record in the Gospels that Jesus commanded or instituted confirmation as an ongoing sacrament.
2. Debate Over its Necessity:
   Some Christians question the necessity of confirmation, as it is not a direct command from God. In denominations like the Catholic Church, confirmation is seen as essential for completing initiation into the faith, but this view is not universally accepted. Some Protestant denominations view it as an optional or non-scriptural practice.
3. Theological Divergence:
   Different Christian traditions have varying views on confirmation. In Catholicism and Orthodoxy, it is a sacrament with profound theological significance, while in many Protestant denominations, it is seen more as a ceremony or rite of passage without sacramental status.

Historical Background:

1. Biblical Foundation:
   Although not directly commanded by Jesus, confirmation draws from the practice in the early church where the apostles laid hands on new believers to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17, Acts 19:6).
2. Early Church Development:
   In the early church, baptism and confirmation were often performed together as part of the same initiation process. Over time, confirmation became a separate rite in many traditions.

Confirmation in Practice:

1. Ritual and Laying on of Hands:
   The sacrament is typically marked by a public ceremony where the confirmand is anointed with oil or has hands laid on them by a clergy member, often accompanied by prayer and Scripture.
2. Catechism and Preparation:
   Before confirmation, individuals usually undergo a period of instruction, learning about the Christian faith, church teachings, and their personal commitment to Christ.
3. Public Affirmation:
   Confirmation involves the confirmand publicly affirming their faith before the church congregation, signifying their commitment to follow Christ and live according to his teachings.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.