196 Lazarev, 1997, p. 11.
197 Coniaris, 1982, p. 171.
198 Giakalis, 1994, p. 62-63.
Developing and maintaining an understanding of the sacred is essential for the journey into the appropriate use of image in Evangelicalism. Ouspensky’s exhortation to avoid Images that might “arouse shameful pleasures” (prohibited by the Quinisext council) is a good start.199 However, it is extremely difficult to identify these universally. What might arouse one person (man) might not arouse another. It may even be, as is common in North American culture, that the withholding of the image arouses. Also, it may not be the fault of the image but of the viewer. Nudity in art is a potential example of this. Or dancing. Icons depicting the narrative of the Song of Songs are difficult to find. Yet this is part of life, the scripture and a healthy incarnational theology.
It seems that the dangers lie more in the potential for evangelicals to focus trivial symbols. Current examples like the WWJD apparel, the “testamint” candies and other very questionable uses of symbol are rampant. Church leaders must develop a thoughtful and discerning approach to the use of symbol in worship. This approach must be rooted in meditation on the scripture, immersion in the historical practices of the church, and personal use of sacred images in devotion. In this way, it is possible to avoid the dangers of either embracing a trivial image or trivializing those that have a rich sacred history. In accordance with Orthodox teaching, these things are not to be approached lightly. Rather, they are to be approached with prayer and submission to the will of God.
199 Ouspensky, 1992, p. 98.
Practical Applications for Evangelical Churches
The use of symbol and image is essential for effective ministry in our increasingly post-modern culture. Therefore, it is crucial that church leaders proactively introduce appropriate images in the context of worship. These are some practical suggestions that might help with this introduction. Of course, the possibilities are myriad. These are only a few.
Teaching on Images
In light of the negative perception about images that has historically plagued evangelicalism, teaching will be an important aspect of their introduction. In light of the fact that post-modern culture is very open to both image and historical ideas, the focus of this teaching should be a combination of church history and theology. Rediscovery of some of the teaching of St. John of Damascus as well as the conclusions of the 7th Ecumenical Council will be helpful for the introduction of icons. The Orthodox emphasis on incarnation is also very important. Evangelicals have historically ignored the world of created things as it relates to worship. Implied in this ignorance has been the error that the divinity of Christ somehow reduced his humanity. The introduction of image and its accompanying theology is an excellent opportunity to reemphasize the essential doctrine of the humanity of Christ.
In many evangelical contexts, icons are perceived with some suspicion. This may be because of some teaching against them in the past or simply because they are new to most people. As part of the introduction of icon, it will be valuable to begin teaching on the use of other similar mediums that are more familiar. For
example, a discussion around the use of music as a window for worship will help people understand the potential for image as a window to the divine. Beginning with the familiar will be very helpful in the introduction of the less familiar.
