On April 7, we watched a very interesting video on the iconology in Christianity and the face of Jesus Christ as it has been depicted in art over the centuries. The video begins by talking about Pope Gregory in the 7th century, who proposed that icons should be displayed in churches for those would could not read. This way, they would still be able to get the gospel message in visual form.
From here it looked at the earliest images of Christ, which were found in the catacombs of Rome. Easily recognizable Christian symbols, (the cross, fish, anchor) were found amidst the tombs. In the year 312, Constantine, who at the time was a follower of the Roman sun god, had a dream on the eve of battle where he was instructed to put the cross on his shield and this would give him victory. After doing so and winning the war, he converted to Christianity and legalized it as a religion. In time, icons would serve to be the objects of intense devotion, but this would also cause much controversy.
During the Byzantine Empire, voices were raised against making images of Christ because they were seen as tools to engage in idol worship. Because of this decree, icons were forbidden, and any remained were burned, smashed and destroyed; leaving the cross as the only appropriate symbol to be displayed. However, this practice was stopped after a declaration that stated anyone who destroyed the sacred image of Christ was just as guilty as the ones who crucified him. Harsh.
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