Iconoclastic Controversy of the Byzantine Empire
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The Iconoclastic Controversy
Between the years 726 A.D. and 843 A.D. the Byzantine Empire was engaged in a bitter theological debate referred to as the Iconoclastic Controversy, which sought to determine the appropriateness of images within the context of worship. Byzantine Iconoclasm, rooted in the liturgical arts, had profound social and political ramifications, as religion was a main foundation of the Byzantine Empire.
While the pinnacle of the Iconoclastic Controversy within the Byzantine church did not occur until the eighth and ninth centuries, the debate had its roots amidst the religion's origins. From its inception, Christianity rejected the use of religious images, especially those requiring veneration. In an effort to separate themselves from the pagans who adorned their temples with cult images, the early Christian Church was devoid of divine imagery. However, the Church eventually gave way to increasing numbers of image worshipers and ultimately approved the implementation of iconic representations, initiating what would become a fierce debate not to be resolved for hundreds of years...