From all I've read--and I ain't no expert!--I think you've fairly well nailed it. I would agree, it's at least reasonable, to trace the practices of venerating icons, back to the veneration of relics of saints. Evidence is sparse about exactly how images were used in the early years. But it's abundant that they held vigils and liturgies at the graves of martyrs, collected their personal effects, etc. Your quote of Polycarp is illustrative.
Thanks for chiming in
At the end of my posts #114 and #115, I promised to write about icons in the New Testament. Sorry about the long delay. Here is the short answer:
Mt 22:15 -22 ; Mk 12: 13 - 17; and Lu 20: 20 - 26. In these passages, Christ responds to a question about taxes by asking who's image and inscription is on the money. The last part of His reply implies a distinction between sacred and secular images.
St. John of Damascus argued that this was Christ giving His approval to icons.
PS
My "Jeremiahsbulldog" profile was recently deleted for some reason. Hence, I had to return to my older "theophilite" profile.
More details in my signature, below.
Thank you. Would you have a link to the work of John of Damascus? I'm interested in how he viewed the passages you sited above.
Yours in the Lord,
jm
Thank you. Would you have a link to the work of John of Damascus? I'm interested in how he viewed the passages you sited above.
Yours in the Lord,
jm
"eisegesis"?St John is a master when it comes to that kinda stuff
I'm curious, JM, about your spiritual reaction to the icon that I've chosen to be my CF avatar.
View attachment 187879
Used in a religious sense... Do you consider using the fragrant oil that miraculously streams from this particular icon (the miraculous myrrh streaming icon of Iveron) for the purpose of anointing believers for potential healing of diseases to be "using the icon in a religious sense"? When a person who is anointed with the oil from the icon is healed of a serious, incurable disease, is it considered religious use if we give glory to God on account of it? Or is this idolatry?The first reaction is that icons are beautiful! I still own icons and they hang on the wall in my study, however, I also am quickly reminded that if used in a religious sense they will quickly become idols.
Yours in the Lord,
jm
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