[drstevej]

***Perhaps you could help me understand the Reformed position on this, but it almost seems to be saying that Protestantism depended on the printing press to work. ***

I am saying that the issues of the Reformation "sola scriptura and fola fide" (to abbreviate them) were advanced by both men AND media. And from an unashamedly Protestant perspective I am suggesting that this is providentially the case.

It is my conviction that the Reformation was a wonderful work of God, a sovereign God, Who raised up men who clearly articulated a biblical gospel and whose views made a profound impact in a short time due to availability and exploitation of the new technology.

The press along with protestantism's encouragement of lay people to read the Bible was a boon to literacy. As people read the Bible for themselves things happened! (Mostly good, IMHO).

[Dr. Eckleburg]

As people read the Bible for themselves, things happened! (Mostly good, IMHO.)

As it continues to this day.

The more a person reads Scripture, the louder the Holy Spirit speaks to them. As it was intended.

[Claud]

I am saying that the issues of the Reformation "sola scriptura and fola fide" (to abbreviate them) were advanced by both men AND media. And from an unashamedly Protestant perspective I am suggesting that this is providentially the case.

Believe me, I understand the position you've staked out. I actually happen to agree with the historical analysis (though obviously not the "providential" part). But I'm saying--equally unashamedly--that if that's the case, then the previous 1500 years of Christians were in a hopelessly difficult position not being able to read and not affording a Bible.

Moreover, if the doctrine of Sola Scriptura requires a literate populace and a printing press to be viable, then could it have been a doctrine held by the first century Church?