Why was art banned from the early church?

Question

I wonder if the original gospels were illustrated.

Answer 1

The Old testament laws stated not to worship images... some of the early church leaders were concerned that the pictures would be worshipped.

Answer 2

It wasn't. All our earliest excavations include *art*. The catacombs are illustrated with a boy Jesus giving fish and wine, the Orans, and other like icons.

They didn't ban art, but no, the early Gospels weren't illustrated. They didn't have the luxury to create those types of manuscripts. They did arise later, though, after the legalization of Christianity. They began to produce beautifully ornate Bibles with art and decorated lettering. I particularly like the Lindesfairne Gospels, even though they came much later.

Answer 3

Who told you art was banned from the early Church? I've never heard that one.

Answer 4

I never heard that one. Where are you getting your information from? Are you referring to the iconoclast controversy in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries?

If so, this link should answer your questions:

Answer 5

Art makes people think, something the early church frowned upon.

Answer 6

Because art was viewed as a type of pornography. Minds change, times change, new clues are uncovered, and therefore our logic now will some day be illogical and therefore logic and reason cannot be trusted.

Answer 7

Probably because art is a form of "personal expression," & the inception of the christian church was all about oppression & control.

Answer 8

because it portrayed how religion was in those days
believed it or die

Answer 9

Was it?