The rise of the printing press corresponded with a decline in community Bible study. The change wasn’t immediate, but it was a major shift. For centuries, the Bible had been read and studied in groups. In fact, the Bible was originally written to be read aloud, which is why the phrase “hear the word of the Lord” is used so often. When we arrive to the latter part of the 20th century, a large part of Bible study is carried on by individuals in isolation from others.
When the Bible was read and discussed in a community setting, individual opinions were analyzed by the group. While this did not lead to complete consensus, it did keep many strange ideas in check. A certain amount of agreement would be expected, more than what occurs when each is studying on his own.
The proliferation of Bibles that followed the printing press was accompanied by a proliferation of diverse doctrines. One can only assume that community study would have prevented some of the divisions that later occurred. As one commenter observed, while we enjoy the freedoms we have as regards Bible study, we have to recognize the negative aspects of that freedom as well.