👩‍💻👨‍💻Discussion # 5, Hist 1.1: Iconoclasm

Topic: Iconoclasm

Leo III issued a decree that forbade the use of icons in Churches in 730. This was based on the idea that icons led to idol worship and undermined the spiritual focus of worshipers. The pope in Rome refused to follow the orders and this led to a separation of the Christian church, the Roman Catholic Church in the west and the eastern branch continued to be known as the Orthodox Church. Emperor Leo sent a fleet to force the pope to adopt iconoclasm (destruction of icons), but this fleet was shipwrecked on the way to Italy.

Directions: Write two posts, first answer the questions, and then respond to a classmate

Post # 1: Read your text and notes, do some careful research, and watch the videos. This involves some role-playing: pretend you are an advisor to the bishop of Rome, Gregory III, and the orders from Leo have just arrived. Advice the pope as to why he should defy the order. Why is having icons important in churches? Why is it a false assumption that having icons lead to "idol worship"? What if Leo sends soldiers to arrest the pope, who can protect him?

See the Discussion Guidelines for more information. This post should be concise and address all parts of the prompt. Your points will be based on completion of the assignment (based on the rubric) and whether you use support from the text, lecture, or internet. 6 points total, 3 for your initial post and 3 for replying to someone's post. Your post should be about a paragraph long and your reply to someone's post should be a paragraph as well.

I recommend that you create your initial post by July 13 at 11:59 pm so that others may have an opportunity to reply.

Post # 2: You must also contribute a Response to 1 classmate's post: Read another student's post and pretend you are a different advisor and you think that it is not worth it to defy the emperor. Why should you fear the emperor? Convince the pope that icons are not that important anyways. Even if the pope agrees, how can you convince the people that attend the churches that icons don't really matter?

Posts can have more than one reply. Follow the netiquette guidelines below and use evidence to support or disagree with the original post. This is not a place for insults or arguments so use proper language such as "Your words are wise, but I think that ..."

Your Response is due by July 14, at 11:59 pm

• • • • This assignment is worth 6 points, 3 for your initial post and 3 for your reply to someone else's post
      • Turning this assignment in late will result in loss of 1 point per day, up to 3 points
      • Click on the reply button, below to get started

Expected Learning Outcome:

Students will critically analyze two different points of view regarding the Iconoclast Controversy

Rubric:

To view the rubric attached to this discussion, click on the gear box in the upper right and select Show Rubric

Netiquette:

• Be kind and respectful to others
• Use full sentences
• Avoid jargon and acronyms
• Use language that supports others