Between Realism and Idealization. Contemporary Controversies Surrounding the Ways of Fulfilling the Didactic Functions of Images of Saints from a Theological and Moral Perspective

The purpose of this article is to provoke discussion on the worship images depicting saints. However, it not about defending worship, since issue has already been definitively settled by Church. Instead, concerns a new problem – controversies that arose in connection with some modern depictions saints, mainly painting. mildest these involve paintings, often made basis surviving photographs, showing saints during their ordinary everyday activities, e.g. while working or resting. A much sharper polarization opinions occurs when painting reveals ethos saint all realism, including also imperfections, and even sin. Can such be an object veneration which, after all, inherently entails following them as role models? Is acceptance promotion flaws contradict biblical morality? serve didactic function? wouldn’t certain idealization advisable portrayal someone perfect, excluding weaknesses? author takes position formulating criteria for “good” based theological moral principles analysis functions.