Icon Veneration is CLEARLY an Accretion!
2 min read
4 months ago
Published on May 08, 2024
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Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Understanding Icon Veneration
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Introduction to Icon Veneration:
- Icon veneration refers to the practice of venerating icons, which are works of art typically depicting singular figures like Christ, Mary, or saints.
- Icons serve a special liturgical purpose in Eastern Orthodox tradition, acting as windows into heaven and points of access to divine glory and light.
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Theological Background:
- Icons are not worshipped but venerated as a means of striving for participation in God.
- The veneration of icons is distinct from general religious art and involves actions like prostration, kneeling, kissing, or lighting candles as acts of reverence.
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Historical Overview:
- The veneration of icons led to the iconoclast controversy in the 8th and 9th centuries, with opposing views on the practice within the church.
- The Seventh Ecumenical Council, Nicaea II, anathematized those who rejected icon veneration, leading to a significant conflict in the church.
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Interpretation of Icon Veneration:
- The Protestant tradition rejects icon veneration based on the early church's opposition to the practice and the lack of explicit support from church fathers.
- Protestantism emphasizes the importance of avoiding idolatry and adhering to the Second Commandment's prohibition against bowing down to images.
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Conclusion:
- To be deep in history necessitates being Protestant on the issue of icon veneration, aligning with the early church's stance and biblical teachings.
- The Protestant position offers a consistent and scripturally grounded approach to icon veneration, contrasting with the infallible stance of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
By following these steps, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the theological, historical, and interpretive aspects of icon veneration as discussed in the video "Icon Veneration is CLEARLY an Accretion!" from the channel Truth Unites.