Second Council of Nicaea

Definition

The Second Council of Nicaea was an ecumenical council convened in 787 CE, primarily to address the issue of iconoclasm, the rejection or destruction of religious images. This council aimed to restore the veneration of icons and affirmed their use in Christian worship, marking a significant moment in the history of the Church as it helped to solidify the role of visual art in spirituality and religious practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Council of Nicaea was the seventh ecumenical council recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
2. One of the key outcomes was the condemnation of iconoclasm, affirming that icons could be venerated, but not worshiped, as a means to honor the holy figures they depicted.
3. The council clarified the distinction between veneration (dulia) given to saints and worship (latria) reserved for God alone.
4. It marked a turning point in church history by legitimizing the use of icons, influencing art and theology for centuries to come.
5. The decisions made at this council were met with resistance in some regions, leading to ongoing debates about the role and significance of icons in Christian worship.

Review Questions

• What were the primary reasons for convening the Second Council of Nicaea, and what issue did it primarily address?
  • The Second Council of Nicaea was convened mainly to address the growing controversy surrounding iconoclasm, where religious images were being rejected or destroyed. The church sought to restore the veneration of icons, affirming their importance in Christian worship and spirituality. This council represented a crucial effort to resolve tensions within the Church regarding the appropriate use of visual representations in faith practices.
• How did the Second Council of Nicaea influence Christian doctrine regarding icons and their place in worship?
  • The Second Council of Nicaea significantly influenced Christian doctrine by formally condemning iconoclasm and affirming the veneration of icons as a legitimate practice. It established a clear distinction between veneration, which is allowed for icons depicting holy figures, and worship, which is reserved solely for God. This clarification helped reconcile differences within Christianity regarding the role of visual art in worship and established guidelines for its appropriate use.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Second Council of Nicaea on both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions concerning religious art and worship practices.
  • The Second Council of Nicaea had a profound long-term impact on both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions by solidifying the acceptance and veneration of icons within their liturgical practices. It laid down theological principles that shaped how religious art was understood and utilized, leading to a flourishing of iconography in Eastern Christianity while influencing Western practices as well. This council's decisions fostered a deeper appreciation for visual expressions of faith, which persisted into modern times, highlighting art's role in enhancing spiritual experiences across different Christian denominations.

Related terms

Iconoclasm: A movement that opposed the use of religious images or icons, leading to significant theological and political conflicts within the Christian Church.

Ecumenical Council: A gathering of church leaders from across the Christian world aimed at addressing critical issues and establishing consensus on doctrine and practice.

Council of Constantinople:

An earlier ecumenical council held in 381 CE, which addressed various theological disputes, including those related to the nature of Christ and the Holy Spirit.