Theodore the Studite, Second and Third Refutations (excerpts)
Distinguishes a natural image from an artificial image and explains the latter's relation to its prototype.
Perspective note
Comparative historical/source study. The original author's or church's reception is retained; inclusion does not make every claim Oriental Orthodox teaching.
Key points
- Developed iconophile reasoning that Christ and his icon differ in substance while the image refers to him.
- A two-page educational excerpt, not the complete treatise. Use Theodore as a ninth-century defender rather than assigning his later arguments to a decisive personal role at Nicaea II in 787.