Iconolatry: meaning, definitions and examples

🖼️

Add to dictionary

iconolatry

[ˌaɪkɒˈnɒlətri ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious worship

Iconolatry refers to the worship of icons, images, or idols, particularly in a religious context. It involves the belief that these physical representations can serve as conduits to the divine or spiritual realm, and are therefore deserving of reverence.

Synonyms

icon worship, image worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
iconolatry	As the term is repeated, it holds the same meaning and context as previously described. It's used mainly in academic, historical, or critical contexts concerning the veneration of icons. The historian wrote extensively on iconolatry in medieval Europe Iconolatry was a significant point of contention during the Reformation
icon worship	Commonly used in everyday speech to describe the act of worshiping physical representations like statues or pictures. Fits in casual or formal conversations about religious practices. Many people mistakenly believe that Eastern Orthodox Christians practice icon worship The congregation gathered for a special ceremony of icon worship
image worship	Generally used in a more critical or negative sense to describe the act of worshiping images rather than the deity itself. Common in religious critiques or debates. The priest condemned image worship, advocating for a more spiritual connection with God Throughout history, many reformers have spoken out against image worship

Word

Description / Examples

iconolatry

As the term is repeated, it holds the same meaning and context as previously described. It's used mainly in academic, historical, or critical contexts concerning the veneration of icons.

The historian wrote extensively on iconolatry in medieval Europe
Iconolatry was a significant point of contention during the Reformation

icon worship

Commonly used in everyday speech to describe the act of worshiping physical representations like statues or pictures. Fits in casual or formal conversations about religious practices.

Many people mistakenly believe that Eastern Orthodox Christians practice icon worship
The congregation gathered for a special ceremony of icon worship

image worship

Generally used in a more critical or negative sense to describe the act of worshiping images rather than the deity itself. Common in religious critiques or debates.

The priest condemned image worship, advocating for a more spiritual connection with God
Throughout history, many reformers have spoken out against image worship

Examples of usage

Iconolatry was a common practice in many ancient civilizations.
Some cultures still engage in iconolatry as part of their religious rituals.
The debate over iconolatry versus iconoclasm has been a recurring theme in religious history.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word combines 'icon,' from the Greek 'eikon' meaning 'image,' and 'latria,' meaning 'worship' or 'service.'
The term entered English in the late 19th century, primarily as a theological concept.
It refers specifically to the reverence for images in religious contexts, especially within Christianity.

Historical Context

Iconolatry became a significant debate in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries, leading to the Iconoclast Controversy.
The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 AD affirmed the veneration of icons, opposing iconoclasts who sought to destroy them.
This controversy influenced artistic developments, leading to more elaborate and symbolic religious imagery in churches.

Cultural Significance

In contemporary culture, iconolatry can be seen in the worship of celebrities and brands, elevating them to an almost sacred status.
The rise of social media has transformed famous personalities into icons of admiration, often blurring the lines between sacred and secular worship.
Various religious groups continue to exhibit practices of iconolatry, incorporating images of saints and other figures into their spiritual practices.

Psychological Insights

Research suggests that the admiration of icons can fulfill emotional needs, such as belonging and identity.
The act of venerating images can provide comfort and serve as a focus for personal reflection during worship.
Some psychologists argue that engaging with beloved icons may enhance communal bonds among followers.

Translations

Translations of the word "iconolatry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iconolatria

🇮🇳 चित्रपूजा

🇩🇪 Ikonolatrie

🇮🇩 ikonolatri

🇺🇦 іконолатрія

🇵🇱 ikonolatria

🇯🇵 アイコノラトリー

🇫🇷 iconolâtrie

🇪🇸 iconolatría

🇹🇷 ikonolatri

🇰🇷 아이코노라트리

🇸🇦 عبادة الصور

🇨🇿 ikonolatrie

🇸🇰 ikonolatria

🇨🇳 图像崇拜

🇸🇮 ikonolatrija

🇮🇸 íkonólatría

🇰🇿 иконолатрия

🇬🇪 აიკონოლატრია

🇦🇿 ikonolatriya

🇲🇽 iconolatría