The Political-religious Background Against Iconoclasm in John of Damascus ; El Trasfondo político-religioso contra el Iconoclasmo en Juan Damasceno

The popularity of John of Damascus (ca. 675-ca. 754) as a theologian and defender of sacred images is widely recognized, although his influence on the Iconoclastic controversy during the 8thand 9thcenturies is difficult to assess. The sources that can provide reliable facts about the author and his work are problematic, which make it difficult to correctly put in context the monk from Damascus. In this paper, we intend to show his opposition to the meddling of the temporal sphere of power in ecclesiastical affairs, as it is clear from his apology for icons. We believe that, when related to the... Mehr ...