Windows to Heaven: Introducing Icons to Protestants and Catholics

by Elizabeth Zelensky, Lela Gilbert

Evangelicals often feel uneasy when they encounter the haunting images of Orthodox icons. From the theological to the practical, questions flood in: Why are the facial expressions so fixed? Why the colorful robes? What do the images symbolize? Do Orthodox Christians worship icons? Doesn't that make them idols?

In this useful guidebook, Elizabeth Zelensky and Lela Gilbert debunk common misconceptions about Orthodox icons and explain how they might enrich the devotional lives of non-Orthodox Christians. Each chapter opens with biblical passages and engaging anecdotes and closes with excerpts from personal journals. The authors offer a detailed look at five specific icons, discussing the importance of the incarnation, the Trinity, and Christ's transfiguration to the Orthodox faith.

This approachable and engaging guide is perfect for those seeking to deepen or refresh their devotional lives.

Genres: Religion, Art, Reference

142 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

Reviews

[Eliza Whalen]

this was a great book!!!!! as a protestant who has always been drawn to the aesthetics of orthodoxy, this was a very exciting read. i never really understood the protestant rejection of certain forms of religious art, and zelensky does a great job breaking down the orthodox justification of icons, articulating many of the thoughts ive had sort of nebulously -- though in a far more academically and historically grounded way, of course. i am not quite ready to convert to orthodoxy, but i do feel quite influenced by the orthodox arguments put forth in this book.... i do enjoy embracing the personal freedom to explore my spirituality and its manifestation (in prayer, worship, etc.) as i please, and i think the integration of icons, or icon-like art might be in the cards for me in the future. what can i say!!!! im a visual girl.... i love a visual reminder..... i love finding a space for peace and contemplation in religious imagery..... is that a crime? take me away martin luther......

that being said, i need more convincing about the extent to which we should glorify saints and the virgin mary....... old religious convictions die hard i suppose..... ill stick to christ-centered objects for now....... pantrokrator fans wya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i enjoyed the structure for the most part, i liked the personal anecdotes and almost casual writing style. i think i would have preferred to hear more about the history and culture of icons in general as opposed to the extensive break downs of a select group, but each chapter had some interesting information so i cant complain

[Rex · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone like me who has always admired icons but who has no background in Orthodoxy, this book explores its history and touches on the theological underpinnings of icons. The most startling idea I found was that icons are not painted, they are written; written in the language of paint and color which makes them means of communication as well as visual representations. Interesting book.

[Teresa Esquivel · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the analysis of iconography is fascinating, it’s a bit odd that the book is addressed to Protestants AND Catholics, as if Catholics aren’t as well-versed in iconography as anyone. Eastern Catholic iconography in particular bears strong resemblance to and shares quite a bit of history with Orthodox iconography. Seems like a huge historical oversight for a book about it he topic.

[Brianna Bratrud · Rating 3 out of 5]

More history than theology, but a helpful and very approachable start for the puzzled.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

WINDOWS TO HEAVEN: Introducing Icons to Protestants and Catholics is a collaboration between Elizabeth Zelensky, a Russian Orthodox lecturer of history, and Lela Gilbert, who appears to be a convert from Protestantism to Orthodoxy.

The subtitle doesn't really match the book. While it does try to communicate the truth of icon veneration to Protestants ("they aren't idols", etc.), this effort is very brief, no more than a couple of pages. Catholics hardly need an introduction to iconography, since it is part of their own tradition, but the authors could have clarified how the Orthodox Church rejects the innovation of statuary.

What the book does, however, is lay out the origin and symbolism of five common icons: Rublev's icon of the Trinity, the Vladimir Theotokos, Theophanes' icon of the Transfiguation, the Dormition of the Virgin (minus the "Jew trying to profane the Virgin" addition), and the Sinai Pantocrator. Hence the book will be of great interest to not just Protestant or Catholic inquirers, but anyone interested in iconography, even Orthodox themselves.

The writing is somewhat odd. On one hand, the work has meticulous footnoting as if it were an academic work, but Gilbert's "personal stories" are sappy and amateurish. The work doesn't follow the usual post-Soviet standards in writing also "Kiev" instead of the preferred "Kyiv", and the typesetting leaves much to be desired.

Nonetheless, if the five icons discussed in the book dazzle you and you would like to understand them better, WINDOWS TO HEAVEN is worth reading.

[Nathanael Booth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really, less about introducing icons than about introducing the Eastern Orthodox brand of Christianity, this book talks about the importance of image, of material reality, in light of the incarnation of Christ. It’s fascinating to get a glimpse of non-Augustinian Christianity, and in many ways I am fascinated by the entire Eastern church. The handling of the icons is interesting—though icons are purportedly timeless, the authors carefully place each icon in its historical setting, illuminating how they are informed by or inform the development of Christianity in the region from which they emerge. I look forward to reading more about Orthodox Christianity.

[C. Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief introduction to both the theology of icons and some of the most important individual icons in Christian history. A significant part of the book is taken up by personal reflections and experiences, which will make it more accessible to some readers. References point the way to additional readings for those who want more in-depth treatment of the theological issues involved. The included color reproductions of icons are helpful, though it's hard to appreciate the detail in some. Irenic rather than polemical in tone when addressing readers, the book does point out the shameful disputes over icons from past Christian history.

[C.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to 5 icons--their theology and aesthetic. This is a book that speaks to the mind and to the heart well.