Religion in Public Schools

By Bradley Brandon

  • “Old Deluder Satan Law”

    Compulsory School law passed in Massachusetts, called the “Old Deluder Satan Law”. This law was passed to assure that children could read their Bibles.
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    Religion in Public Schools

  • Connectcut Law of 1690

    Connecticut Law passed that children be taught to read so they can read Holy Scriptures.

  • First New England Primer is published.

    First New England Primer is published. The Alphabet is taught using Bible verses for each letter, and has questions on Bible moral teachings. The Primer contains children's prayers, the Lords Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Shorter Catechism and questions on the Bible by Mr. Cotton. The New England Primer will be in wide use in American schools of all types public, private, home or parochial, for the next 200 years.

  • Congress approves the purchase of Bibles to be used in schools

    Congress approves the purchase of Bibles to be used in schools

  • Thomas Jefferson acting as President for Washington D.C. schools requires the Bible and the Watts Hymnal to be used in classrooms.

    Thomas Jefferson acting as President for Washington D.C. schools requires the Bible and the Watts Hymnal to be used in classrooms.

  • Washington's Farewell Address is published as a separate text book.

    Washington's Farewell Address is published as a separate text book. Washington's Address is looked upon as one of the most important political documents in American history. In the speech Washington emphases that for America to succeed it must have a moral society which can only come from roots in the Christian faith. This text book is used until 1960's.

  • Videl v. Girard

    Girard proposes to teach morals without the Bible. The Supreme Court rules that American schools are to teach Christianity using the Bible. The case is argued and won by Daniel Webster. (Videl v. Girard)

  • The Trinity Case

    Supreme Court rules that America “is a religious people. . . . this is a Christian nation” as such it is fitting that its people would teach their children the Christian faith. (The Trinity Case)

  • The American Teachers Union declare that schools should continue to teach morals from the Bible

    The American Teachers Union declare that schools should continue to teach morals from the Bible as schools are turned over to the various States from the Christian Churches. Prior to this many schools had been run by churches of various denominations. Many state Constitution's mandate the teaching of morals, religion and knowledge.

  • Florida State legislators pass law requiring daily Bible reading in public schools.

    Florida State legislators pass law requiring daily Bible reading in public schools.

  • McCollum v. Board of Education

    Supreme Court rules that time set aside for prayer in public schools is unconstitutional. (McCollum v. Board of Education)

  • "One Nation Under God"

    The words "One Nation Under God" are add to the Pledge of Allegiance.

  • Engel v. Vitale

    Supreme Court rules that children may not recite a state written prayer in school (Engel v. Vitale).

  • Stone vs. Graham

    Supreme Court rules that the Ten Commandments can not be posted in classrooms, "for a child might read them, reflect upon them and then obey them." (Stone vs. Graham)

  • Lee vs. Weisman

    Supreme Court rules Clergy may not offer prayer at graduation ceremonies. (Lee vs. Weisman)