O PERSPECTIVÃ CULTURALÃ ASUPRA CONTROVERSEI ICONOCLASTE
A Cultural Perspective on the Iconoclastic Controversy

Summary/Abstract: Nowadays, the icon is an identity landmark in the Eastern Orthodox Church. However, back in the eighth and ninth centuries, Iconoclasm challenged the legitimacy of religious representations as idolatrous and blasphemous from a highly-placed-imperial-position, recalling the Decalogue‟s prohibition and the spiritual, uncircumcised nature of God. How was it possible than for the iconophiles to win the debate? In an attempt to give an answer, I considered the treatises against the iconoclasts of Saint John Damascene, which I have analysed in relation to similar or adverse discourses on the sacred images, as well as to the developing practice of the veneration of icons and its antecedents. Building on a rather ambiguous tradition, Saint John advances a systematic apology, addressing topics such as the didactic role of icons, the Incarnation of Christ-which renders God visible and depictable, or the matter as a receiver of divine grace.

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