Religion (Roman Printing)

The attitudes of the various faiths and sects towards the new technology varied.

Some, particularly those existing in territories conquered by the Empire, saw printing as a component of oppression. Mystery cults - already intermittently the subject of prurient interest by those outside the faith - often saw printing as a threat, especially when alleged 'true information' on them was published, while priests saw a threat to their roles as 'owners and interpreters of sacred wrtings.'

However printing was taken up in other contexts. Guidebooks to temples, details of pilgrimages, and similar materials were produced by those who saw benefits to believers (and financial returns to the temples producing the books). Religious scholars - like those in other fields - used the new technology to expound their theories, promote exegesis and comment on the viewpoints of others in the field (not always flatteringly). Others saw the potential benefits of textbooks and manuals aimed at the ordinary believer, during acts of worship and at home, and, in slightly different formats, as introductions to the subject for the as yet unconverted.