Question

Briefly describe the effect of the printing press on intellectual life during the Renaissance and Reformation. Be sure to describe how scientific texts led to questions about the teachings of the church and how this influenced the Protestant Reformation. Cite evidence from the course to support your response. (5 points)

Answer 1

During the Middle Ages, there were very few ways in which common people could acquire education. Most people were illiterate, there were no public schools, and books were extremely expensive. The invention of the printing press allowed books to become much cheaper. Therefore, they became accessible to a larger section of the population. As the people became more educated, they began to question more things. They began to question the teachings of the Church as well. This questioning eventually led to the denunciation of the abuses of the Church and the Protestant Reformation.

Answer 2

Johan Gutenberg invented the printing press that helped people learn from the Bible because there was once a time that not all can read it. Some religions even forbid others to see and read it. Martin Luther, a religious leader benefited from this technology during the Protestant Reformation. He used it to reached people and share the gospel to other people.