From Idol to Icon: Learning to See Through the Body

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

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Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article From Idol to Icon: Learning To See Through the Body analyses the way modern world understands an individual and his body as idols of secularism. Author suggests that more important than their removal is their reinterpretation and transformation into icons that point out to God. The key idea is that the body is not only a gift but also a means of acknowledgement of their difference and unity. In theological context the author refers to differences between men and women as a catalyst of this transformation. The article underlines that idols and icons are mutually connected: they both express human desire for transcendence. Idolatry, however, represents a distorted picture of reality, while iconic perception leads to genuine worship. The author is convinced that to defeat idolatry it is necessary to discern difference of the other – not only as an object but as a subject. Love, understood as good will expressed towards others, is the way to liberate oneself from utilitarian relations. Finally, the author offers a view of body and relations in the Trinitary light: as beings created for relations and mutual self-giving. St. Augustine, Joseph Ratzinger or C. S. Lewis become the pillars of argumentation that the path from idolatry to iconic perception leads through renewal of the natural order and proper understanding of reality.

            In my opinion, the study has a coherent structure in general and proceeds logically from the initial problem of idolatry towards the conclusion about the transformation of idols to icons.

            As it often happens, absence of clear methodology in the article and justification of the selection of authors seem to be the weak point of the study. Author should explicitly define methodological approach at the very beginning. For instance, in case of hermeneutic analysis he should specify the criteria of the selection of texts (e. g. C. S. Lewis, Augustine) relevant for the solution of the problem.

            I would also suggest that the author adds a concluding paragraph with practical implication for pastoral work, cultural activities or personal spirituality. For example, how the idea of body to icon transformation can influence everyday life or religious practices.

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf