Imagebreaking

Imagebreaking refers to the prohibition and destruction of religious images or icons, or more generally, the prohibition of their manufacture and use. This practice is often rooted in theological beliefs that view the creation of images as idolatry or blasphemy. Historically, imagebreaking has occurred in various religious and cultural contexts, sometimes leading to periods of iconoclasm.

Theological justifications for imagebreaking often stem from interpretations of religious texts that forbid the worship of graven images. In some traditions, it is believed that only the divine can be represented, and any human attempt to depict the divine is an affront. Conversely, the use and veneration of religious imagery are central to many other religious practices, where images are seen as aids to devotion, reminders of sacred figures, or embodiments of divine presence.

Iconoclastic movements have varied in their intensity and scope. Some have involved the systematic destruction of art and religious artifacts, while others have led to more localized instances of imagebreaking. These events have often been accompanied by significant social and political upheaval, as they can represent a rejection of established religious authority or cultural norms. The debate between those who support and those who oppose religious imagery continues to be a feature in some religious discourse.