Christian icons

Christian icons

Christian icons are religious works of art that are particularly associated with Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic traditions, although they have also been influential in Roman Catholicism and some branches of Protestantism. Icons typically depict Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, and angels. They are not simply artworks but are considered by many believers to be a means of spiritual connection with the divine.

History

The tradition of iconography dates back to the early Christian church, with the earliest examples surviving from the 2nd and 3rd centuries. The use and veneration of icons became particularly significant in the Byzantine Empire from the 6th century onwards. The Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787 AD at Nicaea confirmed the place of icons in the church, stating that they were to be venerated but not worshipped, drawing a distinction between veneration (proskynesis) and the worship due to God alone (latreia).

Theology

The theological basis for the veneration of icons is rooted in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. The argument is that since God took material form in Jesus Christ, it is permissible to create material representations of Jesus and other holy figures. Icons are seen as a meeting point between the divine and the human, offering a window into the spiritual world.

Iconography

Christian iconography involves a symbolic language in which colors, forms, and figures are used to convey spiritual truths. Icons are created according to strict traditional guidelines that dictate everything from the materials used to the way figures are portrayed. Icon painters, known as iconographers, undergo years of training in this complex theological and artistic discipline.

Veneration

The veneration of icons involves showing honor and respect to the image, which is seen as a representation of the prototype (the person or event depicted). This veneration can include actions such as kissing the icon, bowing before it, and lighting candles or incense in front of it. It is believed that through the icon, veneration is passed to the prototype, and that the faithful can receive blessings and grace.

Controversies

The use of icons has not been without controversy within Christianity. The Iconoclast Controversies of the 8th and 9th centuries saw a division within the Byzantine Empire over the issue of icon veneration. Iconoclasts, who opposed the use of icons, argued that they constituted idolatry and violated the commandment against making graven images. The controversy was eventually settled in favor of the iconodules, those who supported the use of icons, particularly through the decisions of the Seventh Ecumenical Council.

Modern Use

Today, Christian icons continue to play a significant role in the worship and devotional practices of millions of Christians around the world. They are used in church services, personal prayer, and as part of the decoration of homes and churches. The creation of icons is also experiencing a revival, with contemporary iconographers drawing on ancient traditions to create works of art for modern believers.