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Printing evolved from the earlier versions of reproducing texts which began in Mesopotamia where cylinder seals were used. Ever since it has seen major revolutions going from the movable type printer to the printing press established in the 15th century. According to an article in Wikipedia, the effects of printing have been felt in all aspects of life including religion.

In the early 17th century Samuel Hartlib was sent to exile in Britain following his sentiments about religion. In his writings he said that through printing people would be enlightened about their individual rights and liberties hence stop being oppressed by governments and church men. Initially these texts would have to be translated to the people by the government and churchmen giving them a chance to oppress the less elite.

Muslim has been seen as a barrier of printing exchange between China and countries in the West. Initially it was strongly opposed to print books especially in Turkish or Arabic but sometimes Hebrew prints were allowed. In the 16thcentury the Turks were banned from printing any religious books, this was considered a sin. A decree was passed in 1515 by Sultan Selim I which would see any person printing religious books punished by death. This was later lifted by Sultan Murad III who allowed prints in Arabic characters.

Printing in Hebrew sprang in Italy following ban of such prints in German. These circulated in all surrounding cities and local leaders held the mandate of granting printing of the books. This followed fear that if printing became too widespread it would spread religion further hence strengthening the monarchs. All religious books had their contents regulated by the church and the crown. Penalty for printing anything contradictory resulted in death as seen in the hanging of William Carter in 1584.

Finally with the spread of the Bible there was a total revolution as it reduced the Catholic Church powers as being the sole interpreter of God’s word.