Iconoclasm

Iconoclasm refers to the rejection or destruction of religious images and icons in medieval Christianity. This movement emerged primarily in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries, where some believed that the veneration of images was a form of idolatry. Supporters of iconoclasm sought to remove icons from churches, arguing that worship should focus solely on God, not physical representations. This conflict led to significant theological debates about the role of images in worship, ultimately shaping the development of Christian art and doctrine in the medieval period. The controversy was eventually settled, affirming the use of icons in many traditions.