Icons as Visual Scriptures

We make an effort to use icons in our RCIA class as often as we can. Posters depicting icons are on the classroom wall, we use them throughout our powerpoint presentations and we sometimes bring icons to pass around.

To most people in our RCIA class and most American Christians, icons seem odd, even strange. The poses of the subjects look awkward, unappealing and in many cases they simply 'don't look right.' The complete lack of icons in most protestant churches makes it difficult for many converts to Catholicism to understand their use, history and meaning.

Icons are more than decorative art or educational illustrations. They are not idols and we do not worship them. Icons are 'visual scriptures' that allow us to experience the Word of God in ways other than the written word.

Take this icon of the transfiguration, above. Before Christians had access to the Bible the way we do today, an icon such as this was what we as Christians used to teach the Gospels. Accurate teaching of each story could easily be passed down from generation to generation using icons. People learn in visual ways and if your church had an icon such as this, you would remember the story with ease.

In early days, the revealing of a new icon was similar to the release of a new Hollywood movie - it was much talked about and much anticipated.

Just like our liturgy, everything in an icon has meaning - nothing is included unless it serves as an aide to worship or reminder. Next time you see and icon, spend time gazing and reflecting on its meaning. Look up the scripture it represents or research the subject. Mediate, pray. God speaks to us through visual scriptures as much as he does through the written word.