Student Question
Who were the Iconoclasts?
Quick answer:
Iconoclasts in the Byzantine Empire were individuals who opposed the creation and veneration of religious images, advocating their destruction. Their belief stemmed from the interpretation of the Ten Commandments, which forbid the worship of "graven images." Iconoclasts were not against religion; rather, they believed that the veneration of icons constituted idolatry, contradicting their religious principles and the purity of worship.
I assume that you are asking about the iconoclasts from the Byzantine Empire. These are the best-known iconoclasts in Western History.
The iconoclasts were people who believed in the destruction of all religious images. They were not opposed to religion. Instead, they felt that, for religious reasons, it was wrong to make and display religious images. They felt this largely because of the fact that the 10 Commandments forbid the worship of "graven images." The iconoclasts felt that their church was accepting the worship of the icons and, therefore, they wanted to do away with those images.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.