Truth Unites Icon Veneration is STILL an Accretion (Response to Hamilton/Garten)
May 20, 2024
Gavin Ortlund tackles the contentious topic of icon veneration, analyzing historical figures' views, the gravity of anathemas at Nicaea 2, the rejection of idol worship, exploring early Christian texts, and the fallibility of ecclesiastical councils while emphasizing trust in God's word.
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Nicaea II Defines Icon Veneration
- Nicaea II mandates specific physical acts like kissing and bowing to icons as apostolic tradition.
- This council enforced these claims with anathemas, demanding serious consideration of its definitions.
Equivocation on Veneration Meaning
- The main problem in early Christian references to 'veneration' is equivocation in the meaning of the word.
- Different practices labeled as veneration fail to match the specific veneration mandated at Nicaea II.
Ignatius' Standard is Metaphorical
- Ignatius' reference to the 'standard' is metaphorical, not a literal physical banner for veneration.
- Claims that standards are inherently venerated confuse raising up with actual bowing or praying.