The idea of the Bible being "sequestered" from the general population is complex and depends on what you mean by "sequestered" and "general population." It wasn't a single event, but rather a process that unfolded differently in various times and places. Here's a breakdown of different factors:
* Early Christianity and the Latin Vulgate: In the early centuries of Christianity, the Bible existed in various Greek manuscripts. As Christianity spread, it became necessary to translate these into other languages. The Latin Vulgate, translated by Jerome in the late 4th century, became the standard Bible for the Western Church for over a thousand years. However, the Vulgate was in Latin, which most of the population, including many clergy, did not understand.
* Limited Literacy and Access: Throughout much of the Middle Ages, literacy rates were very low. This meant that even if Bibles were available in the vernacular (the common language of the people), most people wouldn't be able to read them. Bibles were also expensive and labor-intensive to produce, as they were handwritten and often beautifully illustrated.
* Church Authority and Interpretation: The Catholic Church held significant authority over interpreting scripture. While not explicitly forbidding lay people from reading the Bible, they emphasized that the Church was the ultimate authority on its meaning. This was partly to prevent what they saw as misinterpretations and heresies.
* Vernacular Translations and Opposition: As the Middle Ages progressed, there were increasing calls for Bibles to be translated into vernacular languages. Figures like John Wycliffe in England (late 14th century) and Jan Hus in Bohemia (early 15th century) produced or advocated for such translations. These efforts were often met with resistance from Church authorities, who feared that unauthorized interpretations of scripture would undermine their authority.
* The Reformation and the Printing Press: The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century was a watershed moment. Reformers like Martin Luther argued for the right of individuals to read and interpret the Bible for themselves. The invention of the printing press made it possible to produce Bibles much more quickly and cheaply, making them more accessible to a wider audience. Luther's translation of the Bible into German was particularly influential.
* Counter-Reformation: In response to the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church launched the Counter-Reformation. While the Church did not completely prohibit vernacular translations, it emphasized the importance of adhering to Church doctrine and authorized translations.
In summary: There wasn't a specific date when the Bible was "sequestered." Rather, a combination of factors – limited literacy, the use of Latin as the language of scripture, the Church's authority over interpretation, and the expense of producing Bibles – meant that access to and understanding of the Bible was restricted for much of the general population for centuries. The rise of vernacular translations, the printing press, and the Reformation challenged this situation and led to wider access to the Bible and greater emphasis on individual interpretation.