What is confirmation?

Answer 1

ConfirmationThere are a few answers to this question,

From both a Roman Catholic perspective as well as an Episcopal (Anglican) perspective, Confirmation is a 'sacrament' or 'sacramental rite' in which we are confirmed in our faith, through the laying on of hands and/or anointing on the forehead by a bishop. During which the Holy Spirit comes upon us in a new way, empowering us as we make a mature commitment to live and walk with Christ.

In some traditions such as the Orthodox Churches as well as the Lutheran Churches, confirmation (or chrismation as the Orthodox Churches refer to it) are typically performed by the priest or pastor.

The Orthodox Churches typically do not separate Baptism from Confirmation/Chrismation, but rather after the submersion of the baptismal candidate, he or she is then chrismated or anointed by the cleric (typically a priest) and prayed over to receive empowerment by the Spirit. In addition, the newly baptized and chrismated (confirmed) individual is administered the sacrament of the Holy Communion, all in the same service.

Orthodox Christians as well see this sacrament as a means of 'welcoming' the newly baptized into the church in a new way. Although it is done in the same ceremony as baptism, Chrismation or confirmation for Orthodox Christians is seen as an extension of the sacrament of baptism, essentially 'sealing' the sacrament with the spiritual empowerment by the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the newly baptized Christian.

This sacramental rite is most specific to the Roman Catholic Church, Old Catholic Churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Anglican/Episcopalian Churches, Lutheran Churches, Moravian Church, and even United Methodist Churches. (However, the Lutherans, United Methodists and the Moravians vary in regards to their understanding of confirmation. Although they recognize it as both a profession of faith as well as an empowerment by the spirit through the laying on of hands by a pastor or bishop, they would not associate it with baptism nor would many typically use the term 'sacramental' in regards to this church rite.)

Although some other Protestant Churches may have 'confirmation' it is not seen as being sacramental at all as it is in 'sacramental churches' (as mentioned above) but seen solely as a human made tradition in which one makes a mature commitment to Christ, in front of the entire congregation.

In most protestant churches that offer 'confirmation' such as the Presbyterian Church and the Reformed Churches, there is typically not a laying on of hands or anointing, but rather the confirmand stands in front of the entire congregation 'professing his/her faith' and awaiting questions and approval by the board of elders and the board of deacons.

AnswerThe term 'Confirmation' may also be used in other ways. To Confirm something or to offer confirmation is to varify it, or prove its validity.

Example: Let's say you are prayed for and someone tells you that you are called to be a worship leader. Then, someone else comes and prays for you and tells you the same thing. You have gotten CONFIRMATION on the subject of being a worship leader.

Roman Catholic AnswerConfirmation is one of the seven Sacraments instituted by Our Blessed Lord to communicate grace to His people.

from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980

The sacrament in which, through the laying on f hands, anointing with chrism, and prayer, those already baptized are strengthened by the Holy Spirit in order that they may steadfastly profess the faith and faithfully live up to their profession.

Answer 2

It is called Confirmation

because it confirms and strengthens baptismal grace.