[drstevej]

This paper examines the impact of the printing press on the Reformation contrasting the usage of the press by Protestants and Catholics.

The paper was written by your truly (drstevej) in 1978 for a doctoral course at Westminster Seminary (Philadelphia) entitled "The Cultural Setting of the Reformation."

[drstevej]

GRPL Historical Thread PING

[drstevej]

PING

[drstevej]

The Catholic Caucus might be interested in this paper

I wrote. Salvation... Ping them if you wish. I'll ping a few anyway.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Wonderful work, DrSteve. Bookmarked.

I started working years ago at a daily newspaper that still used linotype machines. It was thrilling to watch the muscled print-setters pour heavy vats of molten lead into the printing plates, page by page.

I think it was A&E's Biography a few years ago that gave the nod to Gutenberg as the most influential person (besides Christ) in history.

All things work for the glory of God.

[drstevej]

***Public disputation of issues was not new to the church. The history of the church prior to the Reformation is largely the history of disputations. Printing, therefore, did not introduce disputation but it did significantly change the method and results of disputation.

Printing extended the circle of disputational participation far beyond those present, allowing others to be "vicarious participants." Much of the literature of the period was intended for extended audiences and for polemical purposes rather than for libraries of scholars. Preserved Smith observes, "The reading public became the supreme court before whom, from this time, all cases must be argued."

The "fixity of type," a consequence of the press, further affected debate. Scholars could now cite specifically both current and earlier literature by title and page. Also, once disputation was printed, reversal of opinion was more difficult. Therefore, dissent became more indelible; edicts and pronouncements became more available and irrevocable. Excommunication, for example, could not be impulsively pronounced and then swept under the carpet.

Widely available printed theological positions intensified the emphasis on individuals. The terms Calvinist, Lutheran and Mennonite reflect the personal polarity of the era. Biographies and memoirs, while comparatively rare in the fifteenth century, became common in the sixteenth, especially in the later half. Anonymity declined, partisan groups (sects and denominations) flourished.***

Thought this was an interesting section in light of the religion forum issues. Similar issues, new technology.

[ponyespresso]

The paper was written by your truly (drstevej) in 1978 for a doctoral course at Westminster Seminary (Philadelphia) entitled "The Cultural Setting of the Reformation."

Protestant tradition are today the benefactors of new technology far beyond the imagination of Luther or Calvin. Radio, television and the personal computer have unmistakably shaped twentieth century culture at least to the degree that printing shaped the culture of the reformers. Radio, television and the worldwide web offer great potential for the advance of the gospel.

Wow, you guys had the worldwide web at Westminster Seminary way back in 1978. Holy cow. I bet Dallas Seminary was sooooo jealous!

pony