Final answer:
The Iconoclast controversy led to the banning of Christian icons temporarily, but they were later reinstated. It helped define and unify the eastern branch of the Christian Church, but did not unify the eastern and western branches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Iconoclast controversy refers to the dispute that arose within the Eastern Orthodox Church in the 8th and 9th centuries regarding the use of religious icons. One effect of the controversy was that it led to the banning of Christian icons for a period of time. However, this ban was later lifted, and the use of icons was reinstated. Therefore, the statement that the controversy made the banning of Christian icons a rule that still stands is not accurate.
Another effect of the Iconoclast controversy was that it helped define and unify the eastern branch of the Christian Church. The controversy provided an opportunity for church leaders to clarify their stance on the use of religious images and ultimately solidified the position of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the matter.
It is important to note that the Iconoclast controversy did not directly contribute to the unification of the eastern and western branches of the Christian Church. The controversy primarily affected the Eastern Orthodox Church and its relations with other Christian denominations remained largely unchanged.
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