iconsoclasm

Iconoclasm refers to the rejection or destruction of religious images and icons, often due to the belief that such representations could lead to idolatry—worshiping the image itself rather than what it signifies. This concept gained prominence during the Byzantine Empire in the 8th and 9th centuries, where conflicts arose between those who supported the use of icons (iconodules) and those who opposed them (iconoclasts). The debate around iconoclasm also has implications in various cultural and religious contexts, affecting how societies engage with symbolism, art, and spirituality throughout history.