Don't Replace Confirmation with Democracy Courses, Argues Youth Leader

Jonas Stein, vice-rector at the University of Tromsø, proposed replacing confirmation ceremonies with public democracy courses for young people under 18, arguing that confirmations hold little value in an increasingly secular society. However, Nicolai Østeby, leader of Unge Høyre (Young Conservatives), strongly disagrees with this notion.

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He is fundamentally wrong.

Østeby highlights that the confirmation tradition in Norway dates back nearly 300 years, serving as a voluntary practice for the majority of Norwegian youth since 1912. He points out that roughly half confirm in church, with a growing number opting for civil ceremonies. Regardless of the specific motivation, be it faith, tradition, social conformity, or even financial incentives, most young Norwegians engage in educational programs outside school hours. These programs cover topics like faith, culture, values, and an understanding of society.

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Confirmation is more than a party.

This engagement, Østeby argues, holds significant intrinsic value, especially in a society with diminishing arenas for cultivating shared references, traditions, and values. Such common traditions are crucial for a well-functioning democracy and a cohesive population. He dismisses Stein's comparison of confirmation to democracy education as nonsensical.

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Democracy also needs traditions.

While acknowledging concerns about declining democratic knowledge among youth, Østeby asserts that the solution is not to attack a vital Norwegian tradition. He suggests that the current instability in European countries like France and England should serve as a reminder of the importance of social cohesion. Instead of abandoning traditions, he advocates for defending them and recognizing that the state is not the sole entity with societal value. Furthermore, he doubts that a municipal evening democracy course would appeal to young people, suggesting it would likely be perceived as uncool.

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I don't think a municipal democracy course in the evening would be perceived as particularly cool by young people. I certainly wouldn't have participated myself.