Theology of Icons: The Defense of John of Damascus

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the Iconoclastic Controversy. The author talks about John of Damascus' defense of icons at a time when there was debate about whether icons should be used in worship or if they were idolatrous. The essay lists several of John's points and looks at both the positive and negative aspects of each point.

From the Paper:

"It seems that art is such a natural part of everyday life. It would be difficult to picture a world where art was not involved. From the flower pots outside on the window sill to the mounted picture in the living room, art pervades every aspect of our lives. It is difficult to imagine that there was a controversy over whether such type pf media should be allowed in a Church setting. The word icon usually describes "those religious pictures-mainly portable wood panel paintings-which have a prominent place in the life and worship of the Eastern Orthodox Churches" (Baggley, 1). The Iconoclasm controversy dealt with the debate over whether painted images of the Divine Christ were valid or idolatrous. Popular culture felt that the icon was a necessary part of their worship because it gave them a sense of understanding. It gave the worshipper a visual image of what he/she was praying to and so, made the person feel that his/her prayers were not futile and wasted. However, it was these exact beliefs that sparked the controversy, but also led to the writings in defence of the images. John of Damascus was one of the greatest Christian defenders of the iconodule position (Sch?nobon, 192)."

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