Final answer:
The Monophysite heresy fueled the fire of iconoclasm by contributing to the debates and tensions surrounding the use of religious images in the Byzantine Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Monophysite heresy fueled the fire of iconoclasm by contributing to the debates and tensions surrounding the use of religious images in the Byzantine Empire.
The Monophysite heresy, which emerged in the 5th century, denied the dual nature of Christ, stating that he only had one nature, a divine nature. This belief clashed with the Orthodox Christian view, which held that Christ had both a divine and human nature.
The Monophysites rejected the veneration of icons, arguing that they violated the Second Commandment by worshiping created matter instead of the creator. This rejection of icons aligned with the views of the iconoclasts, who opposed the use of religious images. The Monophysite influence within the empire likely fueled the iconoclasts' campaign against icons, leading to the Iconoclastic Controversy.