Aperigraptos

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Aperigraptos ( Middle Greek απεριγραπτός aperigraptós 'un-circumscribed', ' unlimited '; opposite: περιγραπτός perigraptos ) refers in the meaning indefinable to the invisible and infinite ( transcendence ).

This term was related to the Byzantine iconoclastic controversy between iconoclasts and Ikonodulen used. He refers to the indefinability of the nature of Christ , which, according to the iconoclasts, is consequently impossible within the limits of a figure or representation in a two- or three-dimensional, i.e. H. finite space can and should be represented.

John of Damascus argued against the iconoclasts that the ban on images in the Old Testament was based on the invisibility of God, but that Jesus Christ, although he was the incarnation of God, was by no means invisible according to the testimony of the Bible, but a visible person. Since God made himself visible and tangible in Jesus Christ, the prohibition of images is lifted; whoever combats the images is thereby denying the God-humanity of Jesus , which is at the center of Christian faith.

Individual evidence

  1. Cf. Cyril A. Mango: The art of the Byzantine Empire, 312-1453; sources and documents. Toronto: University Press 1986, ISBN 0-8020-6627-5 , p. 166, note 69 Google-Booksearch