Are Icons Idolatry?

Are the icons actually idols that violate the biblical prohibition on images? In this episode, Jacobs explores the historical debate surrounding this practice, highlighting how John of Damascus defended the use of images based on the Incarnation, along with his distinction between venerating holy objects and worshiping them. Finally, we look at whether these iconic practices were later deviations or deeply rooted within early Christianity.======================================Do you like this content? Join Jacobs Premium to get exclusive access to essays, lecture series, monthly Q&A Zoom calls, and our book club. Use code: LEWIS to get a discount: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/Support the East West Series: http://theeastwestseries.com/======================================Relevant Links:Essence-Energies Episode: https://youtu.be/lO1rAzvK3lQRessurection Episode: https://youtu.be/Pwgm-7d2O2kArticles on John of Damascus:https://www.academia.edu/41586795/John_of_Damascushttps://www.academia.edu/41586562/John_of_Damascus_and_His_Defense_of_IconsLetter on Early Christianity and Icons: https://theologicalletters.com/p/were-the-earliest-christians-iconoclasts?utm_source=publication-searchAll links:The Theological Letters (Substack): https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastX: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobsListen and please review the podcast elsewhere:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast