Views on Eastern Orthodox Iconography?

[GenesisGirl]

Some people consider icons to be the Word in visual form.

 

[Hammster]

Is that biblical?


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[Tallguy88]

And I don't think it's biblical.


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But what do you mean by "not biblical"

Do you mean not commanded or required? I agree with that.

Do you mean forbidden? I don't think so.

 

[Hammster]

But what do you mean by "not biblical"

Do you mean not commanded or required? I agree with that.

Do you mean forbidden? I don't think so.

Run through how yiu use icons/statues.


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[GenesisGirl]

Is that biblical?


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Hammster, do you ever get an image in your mind as you read scriptures? Is that such a terrible thing?

 

[Hammster]

Hammster, do you ever get an image in your mind as you read scriptures? Is that such a terrible thing?

No its not. But that isn't what is being discussed.


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[Lamb]

Are there specific icons you've seen that bother you because of how they look visually or is it mostly the reaction of how people utilize them that bothers you?

 

[Josiah]

I know this is one of the bigger aspects of Eastern Orthodoxy that people find either strange or heretical/blasphemous/whatever the new term is nowadays. I have no issue with icons as I use them when praying and they're all to be used in focusing our worship on God. I do agree though that it can get out of hand with how far people take the use of icons.

I find them often beautiful..... but simply beautiful art.

 

[psalms 91]

Yes they are beautiful

 

[George]

Are there specific icons you've seen that bother you because of how they look visually or is it mostly the reaction of how people utilize them that bothers you?

I know there are certain icons that may bother people, normally those of the Theotokos.

 

[Lamb]

Do you think people are offended by the icons of the Theotokos because of what they think other people believe concerning her? And not just the image itself?

 

[Tigger]

Yeah, I don't think most people 'Protestants' are offended by the image of the Theotokos but more to the fact that they think others are venerating her versus worshiping her. I was an EO catechumen a while back and before that I believed they were worshiping her but now I don't believe so.

Do you think people are offended by the icons of the Theotokos because of what they think other people believe concerning her? And not just the image itself?

 

[George]

Do you think people are offended by the icons of the Theotokos because of what they think other people believe concerning her? And not just the image itself?

That's probably it.

Yeah, I don't think most people 'Protestants' are offended by the image of the Theotokos but more to the fact that they think others are venerating her versus worshiping her. I was an EO catechumen a while back and before that I believed they were worshiping her but now I don't believe so.

I didn't know that about you, but that's for a different thread. Well I know that even though some may know that they are not worshipping but rather venerating, they're still not on board with it.

 

[Tigger]

Just so happens I was watching a Lutheran high church procession last night and one person was carrying on a pole a large icon of the Theotokos high over head.

 

[George]

Just so happens I was watching a Lutheran high church procession last night and one person was carrying on a pole a large icon of the Theotokos high over head.

I knew I've seen some Lutheran's with icons.

 

[tango]

It wasn't worship as you say. I agree.

Yet God had these reminders of the heavenly realm put on the ark. What do you read in scripture concerning the purpose of the ark?

The bronze serpent that Moses made (Num 21:9) was made at God's instruction. It certainly wasn't intended to be worshipped but over time Israel called it Nehushtan and burned incense to it, which is why King Hezekiah had it broken into pieces (2Ki 18:4)

 

[Lamb]

The bronze serpent that Moses made (Num 21:9) was made at God's instruction. It certainly wasn't intended to be worshipped but over time Israel called it Nehushtan and burned incense to it, which is why King Hezekiah had it broken into pieces (2Ki 18:4)

Icons aren't worshipped. They aren't commanded by God, but God doesn't prohibit images as much as people claim.