To Keep or Not to Keep... That is the question
The iconoclastic controversy lasted from 726 AD, when Emperor Leo III began an attack on the use of religious images, until 843 AD when the Empress Theodora allowed their restoration. Since this contestable time period, many art historians have questioned the negative and positive issues behind iconoclasm-the desecration of religious icons. Although in many instances this iconoclastic movement seemed ridiculous and unnecessary, Leo III had a definite objective in mind. Leo III had ample cause to be concerned with the spiritual lives of his people. Icons were seen as symbols of security for the Byzantine people, a way of breaking the Second Commandment, and a quick way for the monasteries of that time period to make a lot of money--all in which undoubtedly go against Christianity. During this ancient Byzantine time, the Christian religion became a very high power. Christianity was used in government proceedings, and built-in to all Byzantine people's daily routine. Christianity was such an important part of these people's daily life that Christ and Virgin Mary icons were bound to become a necessity in homes and monasteries all over the Byzantine Em
Although iconoclasm was a strictly enforced rule for many years, it didn't last forever. In 843 AD Empress Theodora took over ruling the Byzantine Empire and discarded the law against destroying icons. Iconoclasm was a brief but shining moment in history--one in which remnants of it will be apparent forever. Iconoclasm reset the Byzantine people in the correct direction towards worship in Christianity. It stopped these people from having a false sense of security; got them to see the idea about breaking the Second Commandment, and cut the funding to the monasteries and put it back in the church where it belonged. All in all Iconoclasm was necessary in bring Christians together and putting it where it is today. Present day Christian life would not have the girth of its background and history if it were not for this remarkable period of time. pire. They felt a need to show and prove their love for this all superior being that died to relieve them of their sins. After these icons became so popular and appealing, people then start loosing the strength of the Christian message. They then started to focus in on these icons they pray to and confide i
Some common words found in the essay are:
Leo III, Byzantine Empire, Empress Theodora, Byzantine Christian, Virgin Mary, God God's, leo iii, Seeing Byzantine, , byzantine empire, byzantine people, AD Empress, ad empress theodora, empress theodora, thou shalt, people's daily, sense security, iconoclastic movement, false sense, false sense security, 843 ad empress, breaking commandment,
Approximate Word count = 782
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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