[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

It really depends on the definition of "Christian". The parts of Chsistendom that I have been to (Baptist, non-denominational, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Evangelical Free, Presbyterian, and one Anglican church) we never use images and icons and basically frown on them. So the question of whether we Christians use icons would get a "No" from me. I will leave others answer for other parts of the Christendom.

"We never use images and icons" ~~ Yes, you do.

I grew up (age 5 to 13) in an Evangelical Free Church (which, as you know, is basically "Old-School Scandinavian Baptist") and some of the fondest memories of childhood I enjoy are the Bible Stories I was taught during E-Free Vacation Bible School employing simple velcro cut-outs (of sheep, of shepherds, of the Cross and an Empty Grave) upon a simple felt-board background.

ICONS.

The Evangelical Free Church teaches its children, and evangelizes its Vacation Bible Schools, Iconically. Simple, straightforward, evangelical Icons for a simple, straightforward, evangelical Church.

But ICONS nonetheless.

We Protestants are loathe to call them that. But that is what they are.

If you want to be a true Iconoclast, why don't you suggest that every Evangelical-Free Church immediately burn their velcro-and-feltboard Vacation Bible School supplies? Somehow I doubt you'll get very far.

The Church of Jesus Christ teaches ICONICALLY.
The Church of Jesus Christ has always taught ICONICALLY.

Jesus Himself is the Express Icon of the Invisible Father (Hebrews 1:3).

best, OP

[kosta50]

You are right, OP, as usual. In fact, iconography was used for the illiterate poeple to learn the faith, just as we teach our illiterate children by visual means. The former were more elaborate but nonetheless an icon is an icon. God bless

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

All the above being said, I must admit... I would still think it pretty silly if Evangelical Free children were to bow down and venerate a velcro-cutout of "Saint Joseph leading Mary and Baby Jesus away from Herod" and ask Saint-Joseph-of-the-feltboard to "Pray for them".

Who can deny the usefulness of these simple Icons in the instruction of Children? I do not. How much the more useful, then, are the artistically-powerful Great Icons of Christendom?

I get the fact that Icons are, and have always been, a method employed by the Church for Instruction and Contemplation. I dig that, kemosabes. In fact, I think that Protestants are intellectually and theologically dishonest when they deny it.

The "Veneration and Prayer" of Icons, though....
That, I still just don't get it.

best, OP