Iconoclasm

Is Iconoclasm acceptable? Today we have encountered numerous situations of iconoclasm. Iconoclasm means “icon-breaking,” which includes the religious as well as the political destruction of images or monuments usually, not always, by those of another group (Džalto). There are many examples in the past and even recently that prove that iconoclasm still exists today. Thus, iconoclasm is the destruction of icons and sometimes it is believed that it is done because of the difference between religious beliefs. In fact, the word “icon” refers to many different things today. For example, we use this word to refer to the small graphic symbols in our software and powerful cultural figures. Nevertheless, these different meanings retain a connection…

Complexities in Islamic Iconoclasm Defined as the rejection and destruction of figural images, iconoclasm in the Islamic world has been seen as the “long, culturally determined, and unchanging tradition of violent…acts". It may be carried out in the context of Islam or against the icons of another faith, as evinced by the destruction of Christian and pagan idols. However, G.R.D. King and Finbarr Barry Flood argue in their articles that Islamic iconoclasm in the past and present must be…

The theme/text that I found enriching and challenging is Iconoclasm. Before this class, I had only heard a little-bit about icons, and I was ignorant and ambivalent about the controversy. I discovered through this class that icons are central to Eastern Christian theology and identity. For Eastern Christians, icons are used in religious contexts and also venerated by touching, kissing, bowing in front of them, and lighting candles—these Christians are iconophiles (icon lovers). Icons were…

John of Damascus was born c. 675- 749 in Damascus under Muslim rule. His father was a Christian believer that was employed by the Caliph. John followed in his father’s footsteps working for the Caliph but eventually became a monk near Jerusalem, where he studied, wrote and preached. Some of John 's writings became the cornerstone for Greek Orthodox theology, however John is most known for the support of icons in the Catholic Church. John held the position of a iconophile, which means icon…

As this course started, we have touched upon many terms, events, artifacts, and influential figures from the 16th century, but the historical movement that shocked me the most was the “Iconoclasm”. Iconoclasm as defined in our textbook is a “systematic destruction of religious icons because of their religious connotations”(336). The reason behind that important movement came after the Protestants or anti-Catholics, who wanted to reform Christianity, criticizing most of its false doctrines, so…

several eunuchs allowed her to remove the most fervent supporters of iconoclasm from power. This allowed her to reverse official iconoclasm with little opposition. (Her work to end iconoclasm was later ruined after her reign when Emperor Leo V reinstated iconoclasm in 815.) Irene meets her "downfall" during a coup d'état by Nikephoros on October 31, 802 (p.126). This was the end of Irene's reign as empress of the Byzantine…

During the Byzantium Empire in the 700’s, the Iconoclasm Controversy and the Decree’s that followed were crucial points in the history of Christianity. The Catholic Church was largely affected by the Iconoclastic movement during that time and the continued growth and popularity of religion was tested. Both the Decree of the Iconoclast Council of Constantinople and the Decree of Second Nicea shaped the Byzantine Empire during the time of Constantine V and Leo III’s rule. During the time when…

of different objects and things in today’s time. We use the term to associate with someone who one might look up to, such as a famous musician or influential figure. We as a society also use the term to represent famous well-known software symbols. We can associate the term with those meanings, but the factual, original meaning of the word comes from the Greek language meaning “image” or “painting.” This was during the medieval era, meaning that religious images were used on wooden panels used…

The issue of whether or not to allow a representation of god or gods has been a central issue in Christianity through history. This issue has played a big part in the Byzantine Empire, alternatively known as the Eastern Roman Empire. Consequently, iconoclasm entitled to a division between Eastern and Western churches, specifically between the 8th and 9th century. Nevertheless, the implication of this issue has occurred because of political, economic and religious ideas. Even today, the idea of…

Image breaking is more than when a photograph does not load correctly on your web page. Image breaking, or iconoclasm originally occurred hundreds of years ago in Byzantium, later named Constantinople. Whether intentional connecting with the viewer as a means of meditation or trying not to connect so deliberately, as a means of teaching, Byzantine art had a way of connecting with its viewer on an emotional level. Some pieces, of Byzantine art, are avoiding connecting with the viewer for their…