When Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the world with his invention of the printing press in the 15th century, why did he choose the Holy Bible as the first major book to print? Why not the works of classical philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, or the Latin literature that dominated scholarly circles in Europe? Surprisingly, Gutenberg was not a priest or monk, yet he prioritized the Bible above all else. This decision was far from arbitrary; it was a combination of market foresight and historical context that shaped his choice.
The Market Demand Behind Gutenberg’s Decision
Gutenberg’s choice to print the Bible was a masterstroke of business strategy. During his time, the Catholic Church held unparalleled influence over Europe, and the Bible was the most revered and sought-after text. Producing it in mass quantities guaranteed a high demand among clergy, scholars, and devout Christians. Gutenberg anticipated that being the first to mass-produce the Bible would not only secure him orders but also solidify his position as a pioneer in the printing industry.
At a time when books were laboriously hand-copied by scribes, owning a Bible was a privilege reserved for the elite. By printing the Bible, Gutenberg democratized access to the scripture, opening the doors to a wider audience and fostering a transformative cultural shift. His innovation laid the groundwork for the spread of literacy and the eventual Reformation.
A Time When Inventions Relied on the Church
It’s fascinating to reflect on how intertwined technological progress once was with the Church. In the 15th century, Christianity dominated much of Europe, with an estimated 206 million Christians globally. Today, that number has grown to 2.45 billion, comprising 31% of the world’s population. Despite this vast growth, the church’s relationship with technological adoption has declined significantly over time.
The Church’s Role in Technology Adoption
Modern innovation often follows the technology adoption curve, a model that categorizes users into five groups:
1. Innovators
2. Early Adopters
3. Early Majority
4. Late Majority
5. Laggards
Industries like technology, media, entertainment and finance often lead as innovators or early adopters to maintain their competitive edge. However, the church has historically positioned itself closer to the late majority or laggards. This cautious approach has at times limited its influence and effectiveness in leveraging new tools for its mission.
Take YouTube as an example. When it launched in 2005, early adoption was led by industries such as media, entertainment, marketing, and education. Only a handful of churches, such as Carterville Christian Church in Missouri (2010) and Christ Fellowship in Texas (2012), began using YouTube to share sermons. It wasn’t until 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that most churches worldwide turned to YouTube for virtual worship. Among the adopters of YouTube technology, the church ranks last, falling into the category of “5th Laggards.” This highlights a notably disheartening situation.
The Mandate for Technological Leadership
The Great Commission—to preach the gospel to the whole world and make disciples—demands robust tools and technologies. Yet, the church’s hesitancy to adopt innovation contrasts sharply with this massive mandate. If the church embraced a mindset of innovation, it could inspire a new generation of inventors, much like Gutenberg, to align their creations with the mission of faith.
Imagine if today’s church leaders decided to lead in technology adoption. What new tools, platforms, or ideas could arise to advance the gospel and foster global discipleship? Such a shift could signal a new golden age where faith and innovation once again walk hand in hand.
A Call to Action for the Church
The printing press and the Bible’s role in its success remind us that technology can serve as a powerful tool for faith. However, the church must overcome its hesitancy and step into the role of innovators and early adopters. By doing so, it can inspire a future where technological breakthroughs are born from a vision of service to humanity and God. The decision lies with today’s church leaders: will they rise to the challenge?
Vijaykumar Jayaraj
Director, Christian Digital Media Consultant
ELelet Digital Pte Ltd.
