The religious idolatry in catholicism from virtually all the way back is to illustrate biblical themes for the unwashed masses who could not read. And for folks who didn't understand latin sermons, that was the extent of their religious instruction.
I can imagine some/most/all of the church hierarchy discouraging reading to avoid nuisances like 95 theses being nailed conspicuously to doors.
I can imagine some/most/all of the church hierarchy discouraging reading to avoid nuisances like 95 theses being nailed conspicuously to doors.
