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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Iconoclast
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1992-09-02
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Greek `image-breaker'. literally, a person
who attacks religious images, originally in
obedience to the injunction of the Second
Commandment not to worship `graven images'.
Under the influence of Islam and Judaism, an
iconoclastic movement calling for the
destruction of religious images developed in
the Byzantine empire, and was endorsed by the
Emperor Leo III in 726. Fierce persecution of
those who made and venerated icons followed,
until iconoclasm was declared a heresy in the
9th century. The same name was applied to
those opposing the use of images at the
Reformation, when there was much destruction
in churches. Figuratively, the term is used
for a person who attacks established ideals
or principles.