Monastery Icons

[CFoxDWH]

I've seen a few images from Monastery Icons in some peoples' signatures here, and I think they're the best-looking iconography I've found on the internet. Anyway, I ran across this article over at TAW that says, apparently, they're made by a pseudo-Christian cult. I was curious what you guys thought of it. It's a shame if they're dangerous; these icons really are beautiful.

 

[drewmeister2]

Personally, I could care less. If they look pretty, and don't violate theology (ie, representing Jesus as a girl or something stupid), Im fine with them.

Even though I didn't read the whole article, I do hear icons can give grace (or something like that). These icons that the article speaks of may not give grace, but they still inspire piety (in my opinion).

 

[Zacharias]

I wouldn't purchase anything from them. I would think a priests blessing would counteract the occultic blessing, however I wouldn't want to in any way support the occult.

 

[drewmeister2]

True, I wouldn't want to support them, but at the same time, I dont mind looking at pictures of them online.

 

[Zacharias]

I dont mind looking at pictures of them online.

Me too.

 

[drewmeister2]

Happy Birthday, Brent!

 

[Zacharias]

Happy Birthday, Brent!

Thanks!

 

[Father Rick]

I tried to do some research myself a while back about them when I first saw some junk published on TAW. You have to remember, the EO view is that ONLY an EO can write an icon-- anyone else can paint a picture in the style of an icon but it's really not an icon.

I did not find ANY documentation that backed up the allegations of the EO poster who was saying so much junk about them. In fact (and I have purchased a couple of items from them over the years) the materials I have purchased actually came from a different state hundreds of miles from where the group that TAW spoke about is located. Not saying it's not possible it's the same group, only that 1) I haven't seen anything that shows it's the same group and 2) even if it is, I haven't seen any documentation to verify the allegations.

 

[Aymn27]

Does this mean I'm apostate? Will I go to hell?? I am Hindu??!!

 

[CFoxDWH]

Does this mean I'm apostate? Will I go to hell?? I am Hindu??!!

Well... Sorry. I'll miss seeing you Up There.

 

[IowaLutheran]

I've seen a few images from Monastery Icons in some peoples' signatures here, and I think they're the best-looking iconography I've found on the internet. Anyway, I ran across this article over at TAW that says, apparently, they're made by a pseudo-Christian cult. I was curious what you guys thought of it. It's a shame if they're dangerous; these icons really are beautiful.

The article you cite comes from what appears to be an extremist Orthodox site. One of their articles harshly criticizes the Orthodox Study Bible, even though most Orthodox I've met over the internet seem to really appreciate the existence of their own Study Bible.

I purchased a beatiful icon for my pastor's 25th anniversary of his ordination, and it all looked fine to me. Plus, their customer service was excellent - it came with a slight scratch and they shipped another one out right away.

 

[alban]

I've read a few articles on that site. I get the impression that it is 'Orthodox fundamentalism', something i've only come across on that site.

 

[Aymn27]

Well... Sorry. I'll miss seeing you Up There.

LOL....well, I'm an apostate Roman and orthodox Anglican..so I'll be in purgatory anyways (could ya do some extra works and prayers to get me out sooner??

 

[CFoxDWH]

I'll see what I can do!

 

[ContraMundum]

Interesting that the article demeaning this company concludes by saying: "Please don't buy their pictures—they are spiritually very dangerous"

To me this smacks of superstition. Like connected to these pieces of cardboard or whatever they are made of is some demonic force hell-bent (pun!) on destroying your family and stealing the prayers you direct to God through it and delivering them instead to Satan. There is something very ironically Jack Chick about this kind of mentality.

 

[prodromos]

I tried to do some research myself a while back about them when I first saw some junk published on TAW. You have to remember, the EO view is that ONLY an EO can write an icon-- anyone else can paint a picture in the style of an icon but it's really not an icon.

Not true. Only an iconographer can write an icon. Iconography is a discipline which requires a good deal of training and not just anyone can do it. Since icons are theology in color, it is important that the rules are followed to avoid depicting error in theology (eg. Christ is depicted wearing blue over red/purple, while Mary wears red/purple over blue, depicting how Christ clothed His glory in our humanity and how Mary has had her humanity clothed in Glory)

I did not find ANY documentation that backed up the allegations of the EO poster who was saying so much junk about them.

You obviously didn't search very hard. Did you bother to look at the links I provided regarding the abbot of Light of Christ Monastery (the producers of Monastery Icons)?

Abbot George Burke calls himself a gnostic orthodox christian, has written a book on magnetic therapy, and believes in reincarnation. Read an excerpt from his book An Eagle's Flight: Autobiography of a Gnostic Orthodox Christian and decide for yourself if this man is christian as he claims to be.

Seriously, you can't get much more "New Age" than this guy.

John

 

[gtsecc]

One of my priests has an icon by them, probably a gift, but he say the writers are not Christian. And, there are so many people who are great iconographers, who are christian, it seems pointless not to support them.

 

[CFoxDWH]

Yeah, now that my faith icon is changed I recommend staying the heck away from those things