Imago Dei

Discover the profound insights of Jaroslav Jan Pelikan in his enlightening book, Imago Dei, published by Princeton University Press in 2011. This revised edition spans 224 pages and delves into the theological defense of icons during the pivotal Iconoclastic controversies of the eighth and ninth centuries. Pelikan expertly navigates the historical landscape, highlighting the significant moment of AD 787 when the Second Council of Nicaea reinstated the veneration of images within the church. Through meticulous scholarship, this work illustrates how the foundational dogmas of the Trinity and the Incarnation served as crucial justifications for the use of images in worship. Ideal for those interested in church history, the history of doctrines, and the intricate relationship between faith and art, Imago Dei is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of iconoclasm and its lasting impact on Christian tradition.