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IconsChristian IconographyThe Eastern Christian churches, especially Russian, Byzantine & Egyptian each have their own unique form of Iconographic art which seeks as it's purpose to create icons from Christian & Biblical subjects, such as Christ (Messiah) or King David. Iconic paintings in this tradition take on subjects of universal quality, such as Messiah. The works of iconic art are beautiful. They are characteristically peaceful, calming, harmonious & seemingly simple. The biggest criticism against such works is a theological one. In particular the Bible and hence Christian law specifically states "You shall not make for yourself any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth." The questions arises then, is it right, according to this law, for a church to endorse as it does, or for a painter to paint pictures of the Messiah, who is the Word made flesh & the son of God? The wording of the law does declare that worshipping any graven image or likeness of anything in heaven, earth beneath or the water, is wrong & unlawful. But does the wording say is it wrong to create such things if they are not worshipped? Icon artists typically say that their icons of Messiah are not used for worship purposes. Rather the purpose is for mediation and to stimulate the viewer to contemplate. Still, the question arises is the very process and creation of anything in heaven, earth beneath or the water is unlawful & wrong? There is a great irony in iconography. On one hand Christian iconography is attempting to create a beautiful representation of Christ; a representation that is peaceful & pleasing to look upon. On the other hand, the Word says that it is certainly not right or lawful to worship a painting. Further, some would argue that the Word is saying it is not even lawful or right to create a painting of the Christ. Yet icon art is very peaceful to gaze upon & can stimulate mediation and reflection. With all of this in mind we embrace icon art of Biblical characters except Jesus Christ (Yahshua ha'Mashiach). We appreciate the mediative & artistic qualities of iconography, but prefer not to test the Creator regarding images of Himself or His son.
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