Art History Journal

Discuss one instance of modern iconoclasm
(“Image-breaking”; Hint censorship.)

Iconoclasm: 1 : the doctrine, practice, or attitude of an iconoclast.

Iconoclast: image destroyer: 1 : One who destroys religious images or opposes their veneration 2 : One who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions

One instance of modern iconoclasm is talked about in our text, “…iconoclasts also systematically destroyed countless works from the early centuries of Christendom.” (261). In my opinion iconoclasm is the wrong way of going about getting results. Yes, the bible states clearly, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” as stated in our text. (261) And it also states in the Bible as one of the 10 commandments to love your neighbor as your self. So, yes it is wrong to worship these images of Christ, the Virgin, and the saints according to the Bible. It is also not loving your neighbor if a person destroys their neighbors belongings. I think that the iconoclast’s could have gone about getting their point across in a less violent manner.

The iconoclast’s could have found all scriptures proving their point and then addressed the Byzantine art owners with their knowledge and point of view. Yes, they probably would not have listened at first. I am not saying it would be an easy task. The right road/ path in life is not usually the easier of the two roads or paths to take but I have found it is the most rewarding in the end. These iconoclast’s needed to get their point across threw words of love and care not with violence. Because a person should care if someone else is doing the wrong thing and tell that person with loving words of concern not violent actions.

Misty J Slavens