For those writing papers on Monday’s assignment, I want you to begin by reading carefully John of Damascus’ Defense of Icons. Explore the ways in which the author explains the meaning of images, especially in the case of scripture. How is his defense of images based on his understanding of Christ? Why has the incarnation made possible the use of images in worship?
Next, I want each of you to choose one of the icons from among the following. You may save the image and paste it into your paper. Discuss how the image exemplifies John of Damascus’ contention that “visible things are images of invisible and intangible things, on which they throw a faint light.”
Deisis (From left to right : Apostle
Peter, Archangel Michael, Mother of God, Christ Almighty, Saint John the
Forerunner, Archangel Gabriel, Apostle Paul)
Have
fun!
