Controversies in Church History Christendom's Image Crisis: the Iconoclast Controversy, 724-843
Feb 18, 2025
Dive into the complex world of iconoclasm in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. Explore the clash between those who wanted to destroy sacred images and their passionate defenders. Discover how political, social, and theological factors influenced these intense debates. Learn about the historical evolution of image veneration from early Christian art to its eventual triumph. Uncover the pivotal role of Empress Theodora in restoring icon veneration and its lasting impact on Orthodox and Catholic teachings.
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Early Christian Images
- The Iconoclast Controversy, centered in the Byzantine Empire, revolved around the veneration of images.
- Early Christian images, appearing around 200 AD, were influenced by Roman traditions and initially served as representations of divine power.
Shift in Religious Art
- Around the 3rd century, both Christianity and Judaism began incorporating representational art in religious contexts.
- This trend, also seen in Manichaeism, suggests a broader shift in religious practices during that period.
Evolution of Icon Veneration
- The veneration of relics predates icon veneration in Christianity, becoming widespread after Constantine's liberation of the church.
- By the 6th century, icons evolved into powerful objects of veneration, believed to convey the presence of holy figures.