According to most dictionaries, iconoclast is defined as a person who literally attacks religious pictures and statues in the olden times. These people try to literally obey the Second Commandment to never worship a religious icons or images. Modern iconoclasts on the other hand are not as destructive as olden time’s iconoclast because they only break traditional ideas or conventional institutions. Iconoclast in the ancient times were violent, they order execution of symbolic images such as crosses, paintings and sculptures that represents religious belief as well as anyone who defends these images.
Iconoclastic movements in Byzantine Empire endorsed by the Emperor Leo III, persecutes people who made and worships religious icons and images. Many historical paintings, statues and images were destroyed until the 9th century when iconoclasm was declared an unorthodox. The word iconoclast was derived from the Greek word “Eikonoclastes” which means image likeness breaker. These images were traditionally referred to as Christian religious images, sculptures, paintings, that are subjected to controversy in the Byzantine Empire.
Modern Iconoclasm
The modern definition of iconoclast on the other hand is a person who attacks conventional principles and ideals. One of the most famous known iconoclasts in the modern history is Bill Gates. He has decided not to go to high school and finish his studies because he rejects the beliefs and norms of going to traditionally in lots of ways.
Other well-known iconoclasts include Martin Luther King who opposed the racial segregation in southern part of US, Albert Einstein who challenged the Newtonian Physics in the twentieth century. Although none of these people attacked icons physically, they are considered iconoclasts because they have challenged the prevailing orthodox in different fields. Jesus was also branded iconoclast for he allegedly opposed the ruling and the religious belief of the people in his generation.
Being a modern iconoclast is very difficult. It requires extensive creative problem solving skills. You must have a strong willingness to give up conventional ways, your traditional beliefs and executing these beliefs the other way around. It requires creativity, bravery to execute and pronounce traditional beliefs and be able to produce solid facts behind your interpretation.