description: "For the honour rendered to the image goes to its prototype, and the person who venerates an icon venerates the person represented on it." So declared the Seveth Ecumenical Council in 787. The council affirmed the importance of the veneration of icons of Christ and saints. Its formulation of the Doctrine of the Veneration of Icons was decisive for the restoration of the holy icons in the liturgical life of the church. For over 1200 years, icons have nourished the piety of Christian people in many parts of the world. Especially within the Orthodox tradition they have been an invaluable resource for theology and an aid to worship. Windows on Eternity introduces the reader to this world of theology and spirtuality in colour, with striking illustrations and a wealth of interpretation. The book is in four parts. The first is historical and focuses on the Seventh Ecumenical Council. The second deals with the theological issues involved in the veneration of icons and traces the development of the image controversy and its resolution. The third part presents a wide range of issues related to the role and significance of icons and iconography in general. The fourth illustrates how icons represent and become living experiences. Complied by the Rev. Dr. Gennadios Limouris, who serves on the staff of the Faith and Order Sub-unit of the World Council of Churches, the book brings together contributions from theologians, historians, iconographers, and artists from a variety of cultural and confessional backgrounds.
language: English
title: Icons, Windows on Eternity: Theology and Spirituality in Colour
titlecomplete: Icons, Windows on Eternity: Theology and Spirituality in Colour (Faith and Order Paper, 147)
ratings_count: 1
publisher: World Council of Churches