Is the whole concept of ordinary people reading the bible relatively modern?

Question

I mean, I think most people would only have to go back not much more than 5 generations (allowing 30 years per generation) before they find ancestors who were illiterate and therefore, their entire knowledge of Christian doctrine wasn’t learned by attempting to interpret the bible - they had to have the interpreting done for them. And think of this; people have been reading the bible for no more than 7-8% of the roughly 2000 years of the existence of Christianity. Do find this as astounding as I do?

Answer 1

Illiteracy played a part, but not the only part, in keeping the kowledge of the Bible out of the hands of us common folk, in centuries past. Whenever translators attempted to make the Bible available to the masses, self-called 'Christian' church leaders had the shipments seized & destroyed -- & also tortured & put to death many of those translators!

So, even those that COULD read, for centuries went without the Scriptural guide that was intended for their benefit!

For example:

Answer 2

In a sense, yes, and in a sense, no. The Septuagint was the Old Testament in Greek, which was what was read during the time of Christ, since Greek was the standard written language. The New Testament letters were copied and dispersed throughout the various churches. When the catholics got a hold of the Bible, it was written in Latin, and kept out of the hands of the common people, this period is called the Dark ages. Gutenberg, Schofield and Luther changed that. This is a very brief outline and others may be able to flesh it out more.

Answer 3

The problem wasn't illiteracy - that was restricted to a relatively small percentage of the Christian population, and for a relatively short period of time. The problem was that books were ridiculously expensive before the invention of the printing press. Churches utilized a lectionary, and read passages every day throughout the year. Christians heard the Bible by attending religious services (that's actually where our modern chapters come from).

But the Bible was an asset to the Church throughout most of its history. The idea that it is the word of God, written by God, the basis of all Christianity, innerant, etc. didn't come about until copies of Scripture were readily available.

Answer 4

The concept of people reading the bible goes back a few hundred years, with the advent of the printing press. As the bible was able to be published more, then more people had access to it. Before that point, ordinary people could only go to a synogogue to 'hear' God's Word. The scrolls were only to be handled by the scholars, who then would read it before the congregation. Those ordinary people who had a HUNGER for His Word would listen intently, and keep what they heard in their minds and hearts. Today, you rarely HEAR God's word(except in places where they keep the Torah faithfully), and people who have bibles are more inclined to crack open Tom Clancy rather than Yahshua and the prophets. That shows you what a fallen world we live in today.

Answer 5

When St. Jerome translated the bible into Latin (the common language of the people) during the 4th century, many Roman citizens were indeed quite literate.

The subsequent fall of the Roman empire changed all that ... but the Catholic Church faithfully preserved not only the literal Word of God ... but also it's true meaning ... in the liturgy, sacred art, statuary, and glass of the many cathedrals and churches that it built, throughout the known world.

So whether the common people were literate or not ... the true gospel never failed to get through to them ... one way or another.

And truth be told ... today's 51,000 Christian denominations ... each based on somewhat DIFFERING interpretations of scripture ... haven't improved the situation at all!

Answer 6

Paul the apostle to the Gentiles wrote: Study to show yourself approved, rightly dividing the word of truth. & Let the word of God dwell in you richly. This was a man who was a contemporary of Jesus. So people were definitely encouraged to read and study the Bible, from the time of Jesus till today and on. The printing press put Bibles into the hands of just about everybody. It was considered the most important book in the world and was the first book produced in massive numbers.
So NO- the concept is very old actually.

Answer 7

You have to be joking? Where are you getting your numbers, or are you just making them up. You assume so much that it's obvious you just want people to agree with you. You assume illitiracy when clearly not everyone was illiterate. You also assume that if an illiterate man had it read to him, that he for some reason wouldn't be capable of understanding it. He might need it "read" for him, why would he need it "interpreted for him"? The "7-8%" assertion is too ridiculous to even criticize. On that you are way off, but it doesn't matter because you don't even cite a source to lend any validity to any of your stats. So, we should just take your un biased word for it? LOL

Answer 8

I think the common man getting the bible in his own hands is absolutely fantastic. Once people started reading everything on their own not just selected quotes the church chose to read they saw the flaws, the contradictions, and all the warts.

300 years ago you would be hard pressed to find anyone willing to admit they did not believe in god. now 10-15% freely admit it. The common man having the bible is fantastic.

Answer 9

The protestant reformation made the Bible more appealing. People were always told they could not understand it. This neglects that God's spirit moves on His Word.

I agree though it is fascinating that common people have access to the Bible and read it. Thanks to the printing press as well.

Answer 10

No, I find it more astounding that people in America don't read the bible like they did during the Founders time of this country!!

The Secular Liberals are ruining this country!!!

They are using our colleges and universities to brainwash the children into the Liberal mindset, by using the false Darwinistic theories leading them astray from the Truth!

God help this country!!