Saint John Of Damascus

John of Damascus argues in favor of Icons. He begins with a definition of images and worship. He argues that an image is a representation of “invisible and intangible things, on which they throw a faint light” (John of Damascus, 1). This definition is attractive, especially when applied to religious figures because it provides worshippers with a better understanding of God and His decrees. John argues that God permits images, such as the ark, the staff, and the tabernacle (2). John affirms, “I do not worship matter, I worship the God of matter, who became matter for my sake, and deigned to inhabit matter…” (2). According to John, God reduced himself to matter for worshippers to create visual representations of God. These images represent the

The three treatises by Damascus, are aimed “against those who rejected the use of icons.” Damascus argues that “the theological fact of the incarnation of Christ provides a solid formation for the use of icons in devotion.” Damascus explains many different physical items, such as icons, in worship and adoration. An example of one of the physical items he used as icons is, “Was not the triply blessed wood of the cross matter.”

The true subject of the saints’ life is Christ and his imitation. Through saint lives, events that happened a long time ago seem recent. The saint represents Christ in a different time, called time of salvation, which the reader understands through typology and prolepsis rather than chronology. This unusual construction of time is one of the two most important aspects of hagiographic narrative, the second being the revelation of grace. The negation of mundane things conveys the reader to the grace in the lives of saints (e.g. experiencing bliss in times of pain). To illustrate the ideas discussed,

This book is based on Christianity and how the religion was viewed through images. The text has an ere of concepts that ties in the concepts of Christians to the beginning of the start of Christianity. The purpose of this book is to show the readers the difference between how Christian art was represented and how other art was portrayed. I will be giving an overview of what Christianity represents and the art work that it includes.

Material expressions in relation to iconoclasm and religious imagery can be extremely crucial for an individual amongst the Christian church. Some may

The image of God is the path to the reunion with God. A. The soul can ascend to the contemplation of the Trinity itself. B. To be the image of God, for Augustine, is to seek out God and cling to

The subject of religion has captured the attention of artists for centuries, working its way throughout the years, in and out of various of styles and movements. The artists of this era often found themselves reliant on this subject matter due to Churches being a steady Patron throughout the Renaissance all the way to the Baroque period. Whether it was because of the rich cultural impact to society or the enforcement of strong divine beliefs, depicting biblical narratives have struck an everlasting cord within this medium. Two particular ones, in fact: The Deposition from the Cross (Entombment of Christ) by Jacopo Pontormo and The Entombment of Christ by Michelangelo Caravaggio. Both of which provide an excellent example of how culture and artistic style combined can alter the message of the same iconic scene and still evoke different emotions.

Before the Incarnation, when God's declaration to humanity was partial and developing. This means that God uses physical appearance to reveal himself to us. St. John of Damascus (730 AD) describes the value of material things in knowing the invisible God. In the Old Testament, we encounter blessings, washings, kissings, ritual meals, circumcision, etc, all of which involve God providing his grace and revelation using created things, rituals, and symbols. At the heart of sacramental theology that is based on reflection on the liturgical ceremony of these rites throughout history,the incarnation, that God becomes a human in Jesus Christ. It is the most complete, and final, revelation of God to mankind. When God became human, he sanctified all

Just as it’s human nature to believe in something larger or more powerful than oneself, it is also human nature to express that divinity through art, this is proven time and time again in human history. Picturing the divine is a type of testimony to show a cultures greatness. The painting Arhats Giving Alms to Beggars comes from the Chinese culture of the Southern Song period. Whereas, the mosaic Christ as Pantocrator comes from the Byzantine culture of the Greek Orthodox tradition. Although these paintings come from very different backgrounds both cultures show the divine and their pressure on mankind to follow the rules, such as giving away worldly desires. By doing so and letting go of material possessions, mankind can be hopeful of

The image of Christ and “Imitatio Christi” can be interpreted in a variety of ways and by many different people. Catherine of Siena and Julian of Norwich both write about their views and description of God in their lives. Throughout their texts it is evident to see that Catherine of Siena has had a more whole view on God, whereas Julian of Norwich develops a more substantial view while on his death bed. Both writers connect the Trinity to other aspects of religious life and utilize the crucifix in their writings, while also expressing their own separate views on God. By doing this these two writers are able to develop their own writing identity while relating back to the religious aspect that was their intention.

She posed the questions of whether this religious art was effective without the presence of sermons and whether the people truly felt the need to go to confession or follow the Christian faith on a deeper level. This interesting perspective allows one to think of the art in a more functional manner and analyze the viewer’s perspective of the art rather than just the artist’s intention of the art. Another interesting concept brought up was that the scenes of heaven were not truly as influential as the others depicting death, hell, or judgement. In terms of the Christian art uncovered from the Andes and other Christian art across the world, scenes of heaven simply depict rows or organized groups of good and happy people. This art does not make one think of anything besides the ordinary, therefore having no extreme

Vivid images, from visions, to detailed explanation and accounts of places and events, to symbolic imagery used to explain parables, or teach and encourage the first century churches are driving forces within the Biblical text. Metaphorical language, by virtue of the fact that it preserves the literal meaning of the symbol, while intending an analogical secondary meaning, is able to communicate profound truths about reality, mainly by creating an alternative, symbolic way of seeing and understanding the world. (Liubinskas, Susann. 404) Throughout the New Testament of the Bible the most commonly used images are the: body of Christ, and vine imagery. These images work together to create a powerful example of the necessity for unity among individual believers, and that unity tying them Christ.

The illustration of the opening page of the Gospel of Mathew from The Book of Durrow (c. 625) displays an abstraction of the figure. One of the ways the figure is considered and abstract illustration is because of its stylization. The man has no arms which is not natural because humans are supposed to have arms. Also, the man’s body proportions are out of place. For example, the figure’s feet are tiny compared to the rest of his body which makes him abstract. Another characteristic present in the painting is cloisonnism. Cloisonnism means there is heavy outline and flat areas of color in the work of art. Flat colors of are seen in the man’s cloak in the yellow and orange squares. The heavy outline is visible around the cloak the man is wearing

Christian art uses Iconoclasm in Christ Pantocrator to impose the thought of God’s fear/compassion and stress the importance of testifying their beliefs. The two contrasting styles and religions create

The literary device of imagery is emphasized heavily so that the reader can imagine the moment when Jesus Christ was born. This was shown in (3:3,4) which says,”All is calm,all is bright. Round yon virgin, mother