Historical Origins And Development Of Confirmation

Large dioceses in northern Europe during the early Middle Ages made it difficult for bishops to be present at the baptism of infants. Gradually a two-part initiation process emerged spanning the period from infancy to late childhood. With increased emphasis on catechism during the Reformation era, confirmation became a rite of passage for adolescents who had been properly instructed in the faith. Whether to admit baptized but unconfirmed children to the Eucharist became a great problem. History Baptism is described in the book of Acts as a simple water rite, accomplished as soon as a convert showed unmistakable signs of faith. Some New Testament literature uses imagery other than water imagery, interpreting baptism in terms such as anointing, passage from darkness to light, or reclothing. Did these images grow from ritual practices which were already in place in the first century? Or were they parts of the poetry of becoming a Christian, which helped bring non-water ritual actions …