Confirmation Curriculum

Epiphany is currently using the Re:Form series confirmation curriculum. Over the two years we study The Creeds, Scripture (Old and New Testament), Discipleship, Jesus, Martin Luther, Lutheranism and do a short survey of other religious beliefs.

Extra Modules

We don’t expect our confirmands to memorize any longer. If you would like your child to learn more than the standard curriculum, we can facilitate the memorization of:

• The books of the Old Testament
•  The books of the New Testament
•  Bible verses
•  The Apostles’ Creed
•  Sections of Luther’s Small Catechism
• Or if there is anything else you would like us to help facilitate the learning, please let us know.

Luther & Lutheranism

• Did Martin Luther really call the Pope the Anti-Christ?
• How can Lutherans believe in “grace alone” if they also believe in “faith alone” and “Scripture alone”?
• Do I have to memorize the Small Catechism to be Lutheran?
• What’s a synod and why are there so many different ones?

Bible

• Who wrote the Bible, God or humans?
• Is the Bible true?
• Why does the Bible contradict itself at times?
• Is the New Testament more important than the Old Testament?
• Why are there so many versions of the Bible?

Creed

• Can it be proven that God exists?
• Is God male?
• How can God be “three-in-one”?
• Does God still create stuff today?
• Am I really supposed to believe Mary was a virgin?
• Why did Jesus go to hell?
• Is the Holy Spirit a person or wind or fire or what?
• Why do we say we believe in “the holy catholic church” if we’re not Catholic?
• Do cremated people go to heaven?

Discipleship

• Why should I follow Jesus; can’t I just say I believe in him?
• Why should I pray when God doesn’t answer all my prayers?
• Why should I pray the Lord’s Prayer when it feels like I’m just going through the motions?
• Can someone lose their salvation?
• Can I be a Christian without going to church?

Jesus

• Was Jesus of Nazareth God?
• Did Jesus know he was God?
• If Jesus was God why did he have to die?
• Do I have to believe Jesus performed miracles in order to be a Christian?
• Why did Jesus get baptized?
• Is believing in Jesus really the only way to get to heaven?

Other Beliefs

• If there is only one God, why are there so many different religions?
• Why do Christians believe Christianity is the best religion?
• Why are there so many different Christian churches?

Tough Questions

• Is it a sin to think about sex?
• How do I stop doing things I know I shouldn’t do?
• Is divorce a sin?
• What does it mean to be “born again”?
• What if my friends aren’t Christian?
• Is it okay to be angry at God?
• Did God create the devil?
• Can you accept the theory of evolution and still be a Christian?
• Why does God let bad things happen?
• Can I do something bad enough to make God stop loving me?
• Does Revelation really describe how the world will end?
• What does God think about war?

New Testament

• Mary Mother of Jesus: The long-suffering mom
• John the Baptist: The rustic herald
• Centurion: The Roman convert
• 12 Disciples: The provincial bumpkins
• Sheep: The innocent wanderers
• Simon Peter: The earnest blockhead
• Syrophoenician Woman: The mama bear
• Sadducees & Pharisees: The legalistic bureaucrats
• Mary & Martha: The bickering sisters
• Judas Iscariot: The disappointed revolutionary
• Pontius Pilate: The troubled politician
• Mary Magdalene: The unsung apostle
• Thomas: The zealous fool
• Saul/Paul: The relentless evangelist
• Lydia: The wealthy philanthropist

Old Testament:

• Adam & Eve: The lovable screw-ups
• Noah: The obedient eccentric
• Abraham & Sarah: The ordinary patriarchs
• Jacob: The conniving survivor
• Joseph: The virtuous dreamer
• Moses: The frustrated leader
• Rahab: The faithful opportunist
• Deborah: The exasperated matriarch
• Samson: The raging prima donna
• Ruth: The tenacious outsider
• David: The flawed and beloved king
• Solomon: The ambitious son
• Elijah: The get-r-done prophet
• Daniel: The invincible visionary
• Jonah: The passive-aggressive coot