Iconoclasts

   People who are involved in "Iconoclasm", doctrine that focuses on the rejection, attack and destruction of religious paintings, sculptures, images or other symbols, are called iconoclasts. They believe that certain views and beliefs are erroneous and superficial; therefore, they perceive that they have the obligation and duty to get rid of these venerating and religious or political based icons. Today, the term "iconoclast" is used to refer a person who contradicts and challenges a dogma or strong belief. Many argue that any representation of God or saints must be made with the same materials as the original one. This, of course, is impossible; as a result, they destroy any image that tries to symbolize or create the appearance of any religious saint or God. Other ones believe that the objects created only separate the sacred and devine aspect from the human nature. On the other hand, the ones who admire and are deeply attached to religious object are called "iconolaters", "iconodules" or "iconophiles". "Iconoclasm" usually happens after a sudden and significant religious or politician alteration or change, like when a king(or queen) dies or is overthrown. Even though it occurs between different and opposing religions, it mostly happens between certain aspects within one religious dogma. For example, this happens in the Catholic Church regarding the Ten Commandments, in which many argue that it prohibits the creating and adoration of anything that is made to resemble something else (images, sculptures, etc.) There had also been many cultural and political "Iconoclasm", like the Byzantine, Muslim, Reformation and others. A more specific example is one done by Protestant reformers in Zurich, Geneva, Scotland, La Rochelle and many more in 1566. They promoted the destruction or removal of religious images and sculptures of God, claiming that it was prohibited to use and construct objects to represent God. They attacked and got rid of these images, and some of them were removed without any form of violence. This event was called "The Beeldenstorm". A more contemporary example happened in India on June 2010, where people began to throw stones at religious structures at Deganga. After three days, the riots calmed down, but many buildings, worship places and religious structures were left destroyed, vandalized and desecrated. A similar event happened in Bangladesh, where many iconoclasts targeted and destroyed Hindu temples and believers. Many of these buildings were vandalized and others were completely demolished, like the Sonargaon temple by Islamic followers. "Iconoclasm" still takes place today, especially on countries like India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia and others. 

The Saints in this structure were beheaded in the period of "The Beeldenstorm".

Have a good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle