Printing Press and Early Theological Discourse

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core ideas from notes about the movable-type printing press, its impact on discourse, the role of the clergy, and the church's influence in Europe.

Movable type printing press

A printing method using reusable metal letters to assemble pages, enabling rapid production and widespread distribution of texts, which spurred more reading and writing and fueled discourse.

Correspondence

The exchange of letters that the new printing press helped stimulate, spreading ideas and facilitating discussion.

Theological discourse

Religious discussion and debate about doctrine and church authority, amplified by increased literacy and printed texts.

Clergy

Religious leaders who were among the first literate people, capable of reading and writing and producing written works.

Literate class

The group able to read and write; in this context, initially mainly the clergy who governed literacy in Europe.

Church control over Europe

The overarching influence of the Christian church on religious and intellectual life across the European continent.

Short books

Brief printed works produced by scholars or clergy to disseminate religious or doctrinal ideas.

Printing press (general)

The device for printing text on paper; its invention and development enabled mass communication and spread of knowledge.