Summarize the issues involved in the iconoclast controversy, citing specific reasons why iconoclasts considered their position justified

What will be an ideal response?

Essay responses should include these points:
• The iconoclasm is the breaking of idols, literally the destruction of religious images.
• The Church, under the leadership of Leo III, reflected an influence of Judaic texts (Exodus 20:4–5), justifying the action of destroying religious images as "graven images."
• It was believed that the use of religious imagery could lead to idolatry. This phenomenon was further supported by the emerging spread of Islam, which was also monotheistic and which also prohibited the use of images.