Icon and logos : sources in eighth-century iconoclasm : an annotated translation of the sixth session of the seventh Ecumenical Council (Nicea, 787) ... /

The Iconoclastic Controversy (726-787; 815-843) bitterly divided Byzantine society and raised the most significant doctrinal issues in Christianity between the era of the Great Councils and the Reformation. Sahas has provided a readable, annotated translation of the sixth session of the Seventh Ecumenical Council (787) in which the victorious upholders of the worship of icons declared heretical the teachings of their iconoclastic foes. This session also preserves extensive portions, albeit in fragmentary form, of the iconoclastic dogma offered at the Council of Hieria under the auspices of Emperor Constantine V in 754. Therefore, Sahas has made available for both students and scholars the major source for the arguments advanced by the iconoclastic Emperors Leo III (717-741) and Constantine V (741-775). Sahas's text clearly marks off the iconoclastic passages from the minutes of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. All biblical quotations are also noted and referenced so that the reader can easily discover the scriptural basis of the arguments. In addition, Sahas has written a concise, thoughtful introduction summarizing the major positions about the antecedents and course of the first Iconoclastic Controversy (726-787). Most provocative are his observations on the role of icons in orthodox worship. The bibliography is excellent, providing the reader with the essential scholarly works on iconoclasm. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty.-K.W. Harl, Tulane University