Teologiczne argumenty przeciwników i zwolenników kultu ikon na podstawie niektórych pism Epifaniusza z Salaminy i „Mowy” Jana Damasceńskiego dotyczącej kultu obrazów

Abstract

In the eighth and ninth century Eastern Christianity was exposed to a serious iconoclastic crisis. Theologians deliberated on the relation between the icon and a worshipper praying in front of it. They tried to clarify the connection between a holy person from the image and the icon itself. However, the complete identification of the presented archetype with the material icon meant idolatry, which was emphasized by Epiphanius of Salamis in his iconoclastic writings. Leo III the Isaurian, Byzantine emperor did not tolerate icon venerators, either and passed an edict against the worship of images confirmed by the Synod in 754. John of Damascus, Eastern theologian was involved in the dispute between iconolaters and iconoclasts. He argued successfully that the prohibition of the icon veneration was tantamount to denying the incarnation, the presence of the Word of God in the material world. Icons reminded the church of the physicality of God as manifested in Jesus Christ. His arguments were confirmed by the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 which settled the icon dispute. Finally, iconoclasm was condemned in Constantinople in 843.