<p>For all iconophiles, that is, those who accept the dogma of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, but especially the Orthodox who claim that the icon has a sacramental and mystical character, it is naturally disquieting to hear the claim that the early Christians were aniconic and iconophobic. If this claim is true, the theology and the veneration of the icon are seriously undermined. It is, therefore, natural for iconophiles to attempt to disprove the thesis according to which the early Christians had no images whatsoever (aniconic) because they believed them to be idols (iconophobic). It is equally natural for iconophiles to want to substantiate, as much as this is possible, their deep intuition that the roots of Christian iconography go back to the apostolic age. This study weakens the notion and credibility of the alleged hostility of the early Christians to non-idolatrous images, providing a more balanced evaluation of this question.</p>

Early Christian Attitudes Toward Images

History

Bigham, Steven

World

Cocheco Falls Pub

Fr Steven has given us a unique set of essays for edification, discussion and even comment and disagreement. His exposition on &#34God the Father" returns us to the roots of Orthodox iconography from which practitioners have strayed so completely, especially in recent centuries. Today, there is a tremendous interest in authentic iconography engendered by greater freedom to travel in such countries as Russia where eighteenth and century icons of &#34God the Father" abound. Travelers see these icons and come back with many questions which Fr Steven&#39s study answers. More important, the broad interest in traditional Christianity throughout the English-speaking world has generated this need to present authentic expression of the faith. This continues the tradition of the publisher and the author who have collaborated on translations of other worthy efforts to describe Orthodox iconography and spirituality. Fr Steven is a scholar and researcher of Orthodox tradition. He is a graduate of St Vladimir&#39s Seminary and holds a doctorate from the University of Montreal in theology with a specialization in Christian and Orthodox iconography. His work here in these essays and studies hopefully will present an opportunity for further development of the subjects and more publications about beliefs consistent with the basic pillars of Christianity, Holy Scripture, and Holy Tradition.

Image of God the Father in Orthodox Theology and Iconography

Arts & Photography

Religious

Oakwood Pubns

Iconography and holiness are closely related, as much by the object itself, that is the painted images, as by the person who produces it. The transfiguring mystery of Christ, &#34operating holiness" we can call it, fills both. It is therefore very natural that the Church would recognize certain iconographers as saints. Two ideas, diversity of spiritual gifts, and individual progress towards holiness, are very naturally brought together in iconography. The result is a perfect marriage between a very personal, spiritual gift and the opening of the artist to God: in other words, a holy iconographer. - Fr Steven Bigham, from the Introduction This is a book that needs to be read by both Orthodox and non-Orthodox alike. This is especially true because of the wide interest in Christian Iconography among both groups. But perhaps the group that will find this book most useful of all will be the increasingly large number of converts to the Orthodox Church. Many things are being written about icons and iconography right now and some of them are of questionable value and validity. Fr Bigham has produced a book that is grounded solidly in Orthodox Christian theology, and represents the best in Orthodox tradition.

Heroes of the Icon

Religion & Spirituality

Christian Books & Bibles

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