Knowing how to write (and read) is being literate - and the Church did their best to keep the secrets of writing and reading to themselves for a long period of time.

Most of the things I know from Wikipedia, ordinary encyclopedia and history books. All can be checked on Wikipedia.

I doubt that anyone here is attacking religion - hell I care if you believe in God or that cows are sacred animals - all we ask is that you don't bring any religious beliefs into government(s). Is that to much to ask?