787–787 · Nicaea
Second Council of Nicaea
Why this council matters
Nicaea II is important for understanding icons, sacred art and the difference between veneration and divine worship. Its argument connects images with the reality of the incarnation and distinguishes honor shown to a person through an image from treating the material object as a god.
Read the council’s definition together with its appeal to Christian tradition. The iconoclastic conflict had a long history, and the council’s decision did not immediately end every dispute. Neither the use of images nor criticism of their abuse should be flattened into a simple question of decoration.
Read and investigate
The complete text is not hosted here. Read the external definition and canons.
Controversies
Iconoclasm and the place of sacred images in Christian worship.
Decrees
Defended the use and honorable veneration of images of Christ and the saints.
Definitions
Veneration offered through an image is distinguished from the worship due to God.