Old Deluder Satan Act

Definition

The Old Deluder Satan Act, enacted in 1647 in Massachusetts, was a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at promoting literacy and education among the settlers to thwart the devil's influence. The act mandated that towns with a certain population establish schools to ensure children could read the Bible and understand religious principles, reflecting the deep intertwining of religion and education during this period. It emphasized the belief that ignorance would allow Satan to thrive and lead people away from faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Old Deluder Satan Act was one of the first pieces of legislation in the American colonies focused specifically on education, showing early governmental support for literacy.
2. The act required towns with 50 or more households to appoint a teacher, while towns with 100 or more households had to establish a grammar school.
3. The act reflected the Puritan belief that reading the Bible was essential for salvation and maintaining a moral society.
4. It marked a significant step in formalizing education in New England, setting a precedent for future educational laws and systems in America.
5. Failure to comply with the act could lead to financial penalties for towns, demonstrating the serious commitment to promoting education as a means of spiritual protection.

Review Questions

• How did the Old Deluder Satan Act reflect the religious beliefs of the Puritan settlers regarding education?
  • The Old Deluder Satan Act was deeply rooted in Puritan beliefs that emphasized literacy as essential for understanding scripture and resisting evil. The act aimed to ensure that children could read the Bible, which was seen as vital for their spiritual well-being. By requiring towns to establish schools, it illustrated the Puritans' conviction that an educated populace would be less susceptible to sinful influences and manipulation by Satan.
• Discuss the implications of the Old Deluder Satan Act on the development of public education in America.
  • The Old Deluder Satan Act laid foundational principles for public education in America by institutionalizing schooling at a community level. It set a precedent for government involvement in education, demonstrating an early understanding of the importance of literacy for civic responsibility. This act paved the way for later educational reforms and movements, leading to more structured public school systems that would emerge in subsequent centuries.
• Evaluate how the Old Deluder Satan Act influenced later educational policies and societal attitudes towards literacy in America.
  • The Old Deluder Satan Act had a lasting impact on educational policies by establishing early standards for community responsibility in education. Its emphasis on literacy as a means of spiritual protection influenced subsequent educational initiatives, leading to broader acceptance of public schooling as essential for democracy and social progress. As society evolved, this act laid groundwork for later policies that recognized literacy not only as a religious obligation but also as a critical component of citizenship and economic participation.

Related terms

Puritanism:

A religious reform movement that emerged within the Church of England, which sought to purify and simplify worship, and emphasized the importance of scripture and education.

Common School Movement: A movement in the 19th century aimed at establishing free public schools in America to ensure that all children received a basic education, regardless of their background.

Town Meetings: Local gatherings in New England where community members discussed and made decisions about local governance, including matters related to education and community welfare.