Između adoracije i ikonoklazma – o kultnoj ulozi slike
Between Adoration and Iconoclasm – On the Cult Role of Images

Summary/Abstract: In the paper, the author addresses the issue of understanding the image in Christianity and its importance in liturgy and piety. From its beginnings, Christianity has been a religion that accepted the role and significance of images in the transmission of the Good News. Numerous images and illustrations can be found in spaces designated for liturgy since the beginning of the Church. In later periods, attitudes toward images changed and often had political connotations in addition to theological ones. The most intense conflict occurred in the 8th century, when the fear of images reached its peak. In the Middle Ages, images were also essential to liturgical celebrations, and the Reformation brought a new wave of iconoclastic tendencies. This article will analyze the attitude of art historian Hans Belting towards the cult role of the image in the Middle Ages and its importance for the faithful. On the other hand, it will demonstrate how Church Fathers employed theological arguments to preserve the credibility of images and defend them against powerful iconoclastic attacks, while protecting them from excessive religious veneration.

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