symbols
the symbols
Religious symbols are symbols that draw us into emotions, feelings and memories that we often find difficult to express openly. There are multiple religious symbols seen and used within the sacrament of confirmation. “One of the principle ones is that of oil” (Knox, 1999). The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit being given to a candidate to strengthen their relationship with God. Another symbol is “The ‘laying of hands’ symbolizing the gift of the Spirit is, in fact, one of the earliest Christian symbols” (Knox, 1999). This symbol solidifies the Spirit within a candidate of confirmation. The last symbol that is prevalent is the symbols of the bishop, sponsor and community within the celebration. “The community participation is symbolized in the ritual by each candidate choosing sponsors who ‘lay hands’ on the candidate during the ceremony. In fact, the candidates call all to celebrate the presence of the Spirit active in their community” (Knox, 1999). The participation of the community shows the love that the Church provides and helps to fulfill the candidates trust in becoming a member of the Church.