DISPUTED DOCTRINES -- Chapter Thirty-One

QUESTION CONCERNING CONFIRMATION

On account of the abuses connected with Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church, the rite came into disfavor in the Lutheran Church following the Reformation and fell into disuse, which continued for a long period. But the rite had its merits, and was eventually revived; and is now practically universal, wherever the Lutheran Church is found.

An old custom connected with it, however, the public examination of the catechumens, is called in question by some; and there is a tendency to omit it in many of our English-speaking congregations. Is it of value? Or should it be thrown into the discard?

Dr. Gerberding in his "Lutheran Pastor" brings three objections against it, viz.: It gives out the idea that intellectual fitness is the main thing; It is unfair to the bashful, modest, timid child; It distracts the pupils from the seriousness and solemnity of the step to be taken. But are these objections valid?

As to the first of these, there is little danger that the intellectual side will be overstressed if the pastor has done his work thoroughly and conscientiously in the instruction that has preceded. As to the second, examinations, which are held regularly in all our schools, are not so strange an experience in the lives of the children as to overexcite them or unduly embarrass them. As to the final objection, the seriousness and the solemnity of the step about to be taken will rather be enhanced than diminished by the fact that it entails a previous examination.

Besides this, the congregation has some rights in this matter. It is proposed to receive these children into full communicant membership in the congregation and to participation in all the spiritual privileges of the Church; and the members of the congregation are admonished to receive them as fellow-members, and brethren and heirs with them in Christ Jesus. Surely it is no more than right and fair that they shall have evidence that these children have been instructed in the doctrines of our holy religion and have reached the stage in which they are able to examine themselves previous to participating in the Lord's Supper, as St. Paul requires. As to their spiritual qualification or state of the heart, that cannot be exhibited or seen, but is a matter between them and their God. Pastors can only plant and water: God giveth the increase.

But the public examination is good for the child also. It impresses upon him the fact that this is not a mere matter of attending so many lectures, but involves the study and learning of God's Word, the Holy Scriptures, which alone are able to make him wise unto salvation. And the day of the public examination, and the questions asked and answered, will leave a lasting impression for good upon the mind and heart of the child who has done conscientious work during the period of his instruction.

The examination will also bring back memories of their confirmation days to the members of the congregation, which will be of spiritual benefit to them. That they are interested in this matter is seen in the largely increased attendance which invariably marks the day of the public examination.

This old impressive custom should not be given up without weighty reasons.

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