1. Membership and coming of age
Aim: To investigate the ceremonies associated with membership and coming of age
Goal: To reflect on the importance of these ceremonies to a religious believer
Plts unit focus: team worker

2. Coming of Age ceremonies
Most religions have ceremonies for young people approaching adulthood. Ceremonies can celebrate a young person becoming an adult or they can be an outwards symbol of a person’s commitment to God.
During the ceremony the person takes on the rights, rules and responsibilities of their religion.

3. Note! There is a difference between initiation and coming of age.
People often get these confused in exams and miss marks!

4. Ceremonies of Commitment
Most religious traditions have ceremonies where young people make a personal commitment to their faith.
These occur at different times, but usually around the teenage years, so they are sometimes referred to as a ‘Coming of Age’ ceremonies.
They mark the change from a child to an adult.
After this, young people are expected to take full responsibility for their religious duties.

5. Religious Ceremonies of Commitment
Read the ceremonies of commitment for Christianity p
Underneath, answer the following:
What is it?
When does it take place? (age/stage etc...)
Why do they do it?
Any special actions/objects/words needed?
Any other relevant info?
Examine a variety of religious ceremonies of commitment

6. Keywords... Confirmation
A sacrament admitting a baptised person to full participation in the church.
What can you after being confirmed that you cannot do when you are baptised?
Add any of the following that you don’t already have…

7. Christianity
In some Christian denominations, confirmation (membership) classes are held for anyone who wants to confirm the Christian promises made by the parents and godparents at their infant baptism.
Before the ceremony, people are taught about their faith and the responsibilities of being a Christian.

8. What is confirmation?
Confirmation is a common practice in the Roman Catholic and Anglican church.
Confirmation confirms the promises that were made on your behalf at infant baptism.
In the Roman Catholic church you can be confirmed from the age of 7 and once you have been confirmed you can take part in communion.

9. What actually happens?
The bishop conducts the ceremony and Christians believe that during the service they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In the Anglican church, the bishop lays his hands on the head of the person and prays that they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In the Roman Catholic church, each person is anointed with oil.
NB- Not all Christian churches have confirmations.

10. Do you think all people get confirmed for the correct reasons?

11. Islam and
Judaism…

12. Keywords...
Ramadan
The month of fasting in the Islamic calendar. This is considered the holiest month for faith.
Bar Mitzvah
Means ‘Son of Commandment’- initiation ceremony for 13-year-old boys.
Bat Mitzvah
Means ‘Daughter of Commandment’- initiation ceremony for 12-year-old girls.

13. Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah
Read the information on page 132 and 133 and fill in the fact file on these coming of age ceremonies.
20 minutes

14. Islam There is no specific coming of age ceremony in Islam.
Young people are gradually introduced to the responsibilities of being a Muslim.
It is recommended for a child start praying at the age of 7.

15. At around 12, praying becomes a duty along with fasting during Ramadan.
"I am God, there is no other God but Me, you shall worship Me and observe the prayers to commemorate Me.“ (Qur’an)
Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.’ (Qur’an) ‘
From this time, young people are made aware of Muslim rules about relationships e.g. No sex outside of marriage.

16. Plenary
Vote with your feet “There is no need for coming of age ceremonies”. Do you agree or disagree? Vote with your feet by moving to the relevant side of the room.
DISAGREE
AGREE