literacy
Ability to read and write. The term may also refer to familiarity with literature and to a basic level of education obtained through the written word. In ancient civilizations such as those of the Sumerians and Babylonians, literacy was the province of an elite group of scholars and priests. Though more prevalent in classical Greece and Rome, it was often limited to members of the upper classes. The spread of literacy in Europe in the Middle Ages was evidenced by the use of writing for functions once conducted orally, such as the indenture of servants and the notation of evidence at trials. The rise of literacy in Europe was closely tied to great social transformations, notably the Protestant Reformation, which brought individual study of the Bible, and the development of modern science. The spread of literacy during the Reformation and the Renaissance was greatly facilitated by the development of printing from movable type and by the adoption of vernacular languages in place of Latin. Compulsory schooling, established in Britain, Europe, and the U.S. in the 19th century, has led to high rates of literacy in the modern industrialized world. http://www.answers.com/topic/literacy Why would a God write a book so confuseing to the people that read it. Oh, that was parable, Oh no that was literal i mean WTf is this crap it gets so confuseing to know what is real and what is make believe. Why would he write a book that people would not clearly understand? What was the level of literacy during bible times? or even now they're saying literacy is on the decline worldwide. It seems to me that a book would be the last thing you would want to spread your message with if the population can't read. That's why the hierarchy have always duped the masses, they could not read or write and put all there trust in these nobles who were there to serve there interests. Ya right! Let me know if you've done any research on this subject? Thx