The Theology and the Liturgical Use of Icons (CT3105C)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit examines the theology expressed in the devotional use of icons and their liturgical use in the Eastern Christian tradition. Emphasis will be given to the sacramental nature of the icon as expressive of the mystery of the Incarnation of Christ and of the holiness of creation redeemed and transfigured in Christ. The unit explores the origin and meaning of the icon and its development in early Christian art. It considers the Iconoclast Controversy and the key arguments by John Damascene in his incarnational theological defence of icons. The icon as an expression of the theology and faith of the Christian East is examined in the context of the theological interpretation of icons of Christ, particular feasts, Mary the Mother of God and other specific saints. Several of the great works of iconography and Western religious art will be compared. The unit considers the role of icons in the liturgy and personal prayer.

Unit code: CT3105C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the origin, symbolism and meaning of the icon and its development in early Christian art
2.

Explain the significance of the Byzantine Iconoclast Controversy and present the key arguments by John Damascene in his incarnational theological defence of icons
3.

Examine and interpret the theological content of specific iconographic themes
4.

Compare and contrast works of iconography and Western religious art.
5.

Explain and evaluate the significance and role of icons in both liturgical and private prayer
6.

Articulate a developed understanding of the sacramental nature of the icon as a window for understanding the divine mysteries

Unit sequence

CT101C, CT2201C/3201C are recommended.

Pedagogy

Lectures and individual and group learning activities

Indicative Bibliography

  • Baggley, J. Doors of Perception. Icons and Their Spiritual Significance. Crestwood, NY: SVS Press, 1988.
  • ———. Festival Icons for the Christian Year. Mowbray: SVS Press, 2000.
  • Cross, Lawrence. God's Holy Fire: A Theology of the Icon. Melbourne: Freedom Publishing, 2014.
  • Evdokimov, P. The Art of the Icon: A Theology of Beauty. Translated by Fr Steven Bigham. Redondo Beach, CA: Oakwood Publications, 1990.
  • Hart, A. Techniques of Icon and Wall Painting. Balwyn, Victoria: Freedom Publishing, 2011.
  • ———. Beauty. Spirit. Matter. Icons in the Modern World. Balwyn, Victoria: Freedom Publishing, 2014.
  • Nes, Solrunn. The Mystical Language of Icons. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009.
  • Ouspensky, L. Theology of the Icon. Translated by A. Gythiel with E. Meyendorff. 2 vols. 1978. Reprint. Crestwood, NY: SVS Press, 1992.
  • Ouspensky, L., and V. Lossky. The Meaning of Icons. Crestwood, NY: SVS Press, 1982.
  • Sendler, Egon. The Icon: Image of the Invisible. Translated by Fr Steven Bigham. Paris: Oakwood Publications, 1999.
  • Visel, Jeana. Icons in the Western Church: Towards a More Sacramental Encounter. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2016. eBook = https://divinity.on.worldcat.org/oclc/940455361

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Document Study

1,000 words

 1000 15.0
Document Study

1,500 words

 1500 25.0
Essay

2,500 words

 2500 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Aug, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-08-16 15:51:15 +1000