So people didn't worship the icons.
Some Christians objected to the presence of icons in church due to concerns about idolatry, believing that the veneration of icons could lead to worshiping the image rather than the spiritual truth it represents. They also argued that icons could distract from the true essence of Christian faith and could potentially confuse or mislead believers.
Images of Jesus, Mary, and the saints are called icons. In the Christian tradition, icons are considered sacred representations that aid in prayer and meditation. They are used as visual aids to connect with the divine and serve as reminders of the presence of God and the example of the saints.
The Eastern Orthodox Church believes in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the importance of tradition and scripture, sacraments as a means of grace, the veneration of saints and icons, and the concept of theosis, where individuals strive to become more like God. They also prioritize unity with the early Christian Church and emphasize the authority of ecumenical councils in shaping their doctrinal beliefs.
A religious artefact is an object that holds religious or spiritual significance within a particular faith or tradition. These items are often used in religious ceremonies, rituals, or as symbols of faith and devotion. Examples include statues, relics, icons, prayer beads, and ceremonial tools.
A painting of a religious image is known as an icon. Icons are commonly used in various religious traditions, such as Christian Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, as objects of veneration and meditation. The process of creating icons follows specific guidelines established by the tradition they belong to.
A picture of a saint is called an icon. Icons are religious images that hold symbolic meaning and are used in various Christian traditions for prayer and worship.
I believe that you are referring to icons, as used in the Orthodox church.
In 730, the Byzantine emperor Leo III banned the use of icons. Icons are religious images used by Eastern Christians to aid their prayers.
actually Christians do do not use icons
In 730, the Byzantine emperor Leo III banned the use of icons. Icons are religious images used by Eastern Christians to aid their prayers.
In 730, the Byzantine emperor Leo III banned the use of icons. Icons are religious images used by Eastern Christians to aid their prayers.
Roman Catholic AnswerThe Greek Church outlawed the use of statues and uses icons as being less "life-like". The Roman Church does use icons, just not as exclusively as the Greek Church does.
Only Catholic and Orthodox Churches use statues and pictures of Jesus or of the saints to help them pray. Protestant Churches do not, considering the use of icons akin to idolatory.
[i'kona]
the display of religious icons in the church.
Icons were (and still are) important because they have been used continuously in the church for over 2,000 years. Icons are holy images that declare the presence of the kingdom of God in the church. They are not only 'visual aids' but representations of the living saints who we honour. Honouring the righteous saints of God is confirmed in the Bible. (Prov. 10:7, Rev 5:8, 8:3-4). Jesus Christ Himself is also referred to in the Bible as "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15 and 2Corinthians 4:4). Honouring the holy icons is an essential part of our Faith, as confirmed by the Church Fathers and the Bible. (Seventh Ecumenical Council, 787 AD, Exodus 26:31, Hebrews 9:5). Icons are honoured/venerated, but they are not worshipped. Only God is worshipped.
Because the Church of England has not opposed the use of holy icons in its churches. Only some evengelical protestant groups do not use icons. The Queen of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury support the use of icons.
If they are Christian statues, Christians generally call them icons. If they are non-Christian statues, Christians generally call them idols.