Icons in the Western Church: Toward a More Sacramental Encounter

by Jeana Visel OSB

Within the Eastern tradition of Christianity, the eikon, or religious image, has long held a place of honor. In the greater part of Western Christianity, however, discomfort with images in worship, both statues and panel icons, has been a relatively common current, particularly since the Reformation. In the Roman Catholic Church, after years of using religious statues, the Second Vatican Council’s call for “noble simplicity” in many cases led to a stripping of images that in some ways helped refocus attention on the eucharistic celebration itself but also led to a starkness that has left many Roman Catholics unsure of how to interact with the saints or with religious images at all.
Today, Western interest in panel icons has been rising, yet we lack standards of quality or catechesis on what to do with them. This book makes the case that icons should have a role to play in the Western Church that goes beyond mere decoration. Citing theological and ecumenical reasons, Visel argues that, with regard to use of icons, the post–Vatican II Roman Catholic Church needs to give greater respect to the Eastern tradition. While Roman Catholics may never interact with icons in quite the same way that Eastern Christians do, we do need to come to terms with what icons are and how we should encounter them.

Genres: Art

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2016

Reviews

[Mike]

This book is a great little introduction to the world of Icons. I have had a semi-serious interest in Icons for well over a year, with this book I was finally able to begin my journey into the world of Icons. As with most things from antiquity the subject is much deeper than it appears on the surface but the author really explains things very well.

Prior to starting the book I had many questions regarding Icons; I still do. But to the author’s credit the current questions are far different than the ones I had going in. In reading the book one can see a great deal of study and research being summarized for the reader’s benefit. Chapter four “knocks it out of the park” when it comes to answering questions and giving clear explanations. Chapter five is also very helpful. I found most chapters helpful but these two really got me started on Icons.

I hope that the author produces more works on Icons. Use the zeal found in chapter four as the flint to spark several more books. The subject has centuries of history so there is no worry about running out of material.

I recommend this introduction to all, even if you are not currently wondering about Icons this well written little work could engender the interest to begin a broader inquiry.

[Marie]

Such a good read!