Celestial artisans preserve immense quantities of information within concept pictures, surpassing the knowledge gained through ordinary written language. [1]
The earliest images were monuments, made to preserve the memory of illustrious dead and believed by primitives to hold spirits through a consecration ceremony. [2]
Jesus' drawing on synagogue floor caused a stir at school, leading to accusations of lawlessness and sacrilege, but he defended his artistic efforts with courage and self-control. [3] Jesus left no writings or images behind, in order to avoid contributing to nonprogressive religious beliefs and idolatry. [4] Pilate's disfavor with the Jews stemmed from his failure to acknowledge their strong prejudice against images, leading to a pivotal compromise. [5] "Moses added the second commandment to the moral code, prohibiting images to control fetish worship among the Hebrews.". [6]
The pictures of Jesus have been most unfortunate, portraying him as a mild, sweet, gentle mystic, when in reality his dignified manhood and dynamic teaching were far more impactful. [7] Magical images and effigies were believed to influence real people, as seen in the superstition of chewing wood to soften a seller's heart. [8]