The “Mumbojumbo” of the Rite of Confirmation

Abstract

This thesis aims to define the rite of confirmation used in the Wisconsin Synod. Confirmation is a mixed bag. Throughout history, no one knows what to do with the rite. Many congregational traditions make it almost impossible to change or cut it. Confirmation is an artificial bridge between the sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The history of the rite of confirmation in the Lutheran Church is complicated. There has been no uniformity on the purpose of the rite. The rite of confirmation is not going anywhere in the Lutheran Church, but a pastor will have to determine the purpose of confirmation and will use care to see if practices in his church match that purpose.