The phrase "illiterate peasants" refers to people who are poor, uneducated, and cannot read or write. These individuals often come from rural areas and lack access to proper schooling or resources for learning. Full definition
And the best way of doing that would probably be around Bronze Age middle east, making appearances to stupefy illiterate peasants, which could then be passed on, the news would get to China around 1000 years after that — as if the Chinese weren't as worthy as the Galileans or Canaanites.» (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
Powell's (not Pearce as others have said) use of the term «inquisition» is telling in that it conjures religious zealot imagery and all of the baggage of illiterate peasants, firebrands, and ignorant priests one can manage. (judithcurry.com)
One thing is certain and proven... no matter what creed we utter, create, or claim to believe... more people over the centuries (including the 200 years of NT historians and theologians studies you lean upon) will remember... seek, find, and trust in a risen Jesus (the illiterate peasant carpenter) than will ever know you and I... let alone sing our praises. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)