Today, technology seems to change at lightning speed. The internet only was thought of in 1993, and the first iPhone came out in 2007. Music CDs are almost obsolete, and videotapes are. AI (artificial intelligence) is producing changes that most of us can’t see, only their indirect effects. Interestingly, much of this new technology is concerned with storing and transmitting information; some of us, including me – a real math and science guy, have concerns about negatives coming from some of this, especially the lightning quick broadcasting of hateful and false information. Over five centuries ago there was a technological invention that spread almost as rapidly as those of today, and its impact may have been greater than those of today. I’m speaking of Gutenberg’s invention of the moveable type printing press together with the use of oil-based ink.

And rapid change it was. The first version of Gutenberg’s press is dated to around 1440, and by the year 1500 it had resulted in the printing of over twenty million volumes! In the next century over 200 million volumes were printed. That the invention would spread rapidly was apparent almost from the start, and early on there were predictions of coming dire, negative effects. Some scholars felt that the increased availability of books would lead to intellectual laziness, and others worried that it would bring new ideas to those ill-prepared to understand them. Others worried that it would lessen the authority of the Church and could lead to the easy spread of falsities, sedition, and even debauchery.

In fact the effects were more profound and wide-spread than in any of the predictions. It lead to greatly increased literacy rates, more demand for education, a democratization of knowledge, and a community of science and mathematics. Information not only became more widespread, but it was easier to reference through the use of page numbers, indices, and tables of contents. It strengthened local languages, helping to give rise to nationalism, and lessened the importance of Latin. As predicted, it did threaten the power of political and religious authorities. Also, as predicted, much of what was printed was erroneous and even evil.

As Lutherans, we know that the press gave rapid dissemination of Luther’s ideas as well as those of other leaders of the Reformation. In 1517 it only took two weeks Luther’s for Theses to spread throughout Germany, and two months later they were known throughout Europe. By 1520 over 300,000 copies of his works had been printed. Luther’s translation of the Bible not only put the word of God into laymen’s hands, but gave them a standard German language in which to discuss it.

As Christians we are still benefiting from Gutenberg’s invention. Bibles are readily available, together with commentaries and study guides that help us as readers. While the plentitude of Bibles has certainly contributed to extending the Good News, for most of us as Christians having a personal Bible has helped make it a source of solace, inspiration, and guidance. It has also given us a responsibility to seek individual understanding through study and contemplation. Reading the Bible helps us form a personal relationship with God and feel his unconditional love.

Jim