Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture Pt. 2

Iconophily and Iconoclasm

12/5/19


Iconophily and Iconoclasm were popular beliefs during the early ages of the Catholic Church. They first seemed to come around the Byzantine empire after the Second Council of Nicaea , where iconoclasm erupted and there was a huge destruction of images and monasteries. Years passed and Bishop Latimer was against the destruction of images. They wanted to make sure that sacred images were not to be affected. They were conventional symbols, not natural symbols, as they were made after people and they would unfortunately be personified. This personification of these specific statues and idols could be toxic. The use of crucifixes and saint pictures are out of respect, are used in homes. But praying and relying on another statue can be considered blasphemy. Like Moses and the Israelites who worshipped the Golden Calf that he burned as an idol, instead of God, were detrimental to their relationship to God. It seemed to be a test of their obedience and loyalty to God, which didn't work out. Having specific idols placed in homes that you worship to in your home seems antireligious. I think having items from other religions can be good in understanding other religions and being diverse, but worshipping is a different story. Having this mentality to worship other statues and paintings before praying to God can ruin your relationship which ends up turning to a mortal sin. 

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