Dan+,

I'm in full agreement.  I think the old theology--still found in our Prayer
Book--of confirmation somehow completing baptism is bad theology.  One of
the wonderful developments of the past hundred years has been the
rediscovery of the central importance of baptism.  It is what enters one
into the Kingdom of God.  The meal of that Kingdom is the Eucharist.

The other excuse often heard is that children aren't prepared to receive
communion.  Nor is any adult I've ever known.  If each of us is absolutely
unworthy to receive the Eucharist, then it means that we are no different
from children, who (let's remember) symbolize what we adults must become
like.

And as you pointed out, making knowledge a requirement smacks too much of
gnosticism.  Besides, I suspect children understand at an intuitive level
much more than adults what they are doing.  I know I had a stronger
awareness of the awesome quality of the Eucharist when I was an imaginitve
child than I do now as an overly left brain adult!  The ability of children
to enter imaginitively into other worlds, I think, comes into play here.

In many ways, I think confirmation is a sacrament in search of a real
meaning.  I think it is best thought of as a "coming of age" rite (and our
society desperately needs one) and as one's ordination into the lay
ministry.  I've always thought that there ought to be much stronger language
in the rite about the responsibilities the confirmand is now taking on.  Be
good for the parents to hear as well!

Mark+