The Theological Implications of Confirmation

The Lutheran practice of confirmation can hardly be described as uniform during its long history. The differences varied greatly both in number and in kind as many accretions attached themselves to this practice. Because there was no Biblical basis for confirmation, the Lutheran Church did not hesitate to warrant new emphases and directions with changing circumstances and needs. As confirmation is practiced today, especially in the United States, it is cluttered with the remnants of such additions, the origins of which are rarely recognized. Just as the Reformation Church thought it was restoring confirmation in accord with the tradition of the early church, so many today regard their specific practice of confirmation as their heritage from the Reformation. This notion has given confirmation an aura which has largely prevented the consideration and acceptance of any major changes where necessary