Horace Mann Was a Man of Deep Conviction... Are You?

“Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” – Horace Mann

I must admit that I had never heard of Horace Mann before researching his background to write this devotional message. Here is what I learned about this very interesting man, who was born on May 4, 1796, in Franklin, Massachusetts and died on August 2, 1859, in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Mann’s life was highlighted by (1) his insatiable interest in and profound affect upon the American educational system; and (2) his staunch opposition to slavery. In the former capacity, he served as the first Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, a role in which he advocated for tax-supported elementary public education. Mann also pushed for more female teachers and established “normal schools” – which later became known as teachers’ colleges – to train professional educators.

A Congregationalist who later became a Unitarian, Mann tried to balance Christian theology with secular teaching. "Our system earnestly inculcates all Christian morals; it founds its morals based on religion; it welcomes the religion of the Bible; and, in receiving the Bible, it allows it to do what it is allowed to do in no other system—to speak for itself.”

His middle-of-the-road stance angered people on both sides of the argument but did result in the Bible being almost universally used as a textbook in Massachusetts’ public schools. Mann also make a point of visiting every normal school in the state and even traveled to Europe at his own expense to learn about new educational techniques being used there. He opposed corporeal punishment in the classroom and was a strong proponent of teaching reading by words instead of by letters, calling the alphabet "skeleton-shaped, bloodless, ghostly apparitions" that are “repulsive and soul-deadening to children".

For these reasons and others, Horace Mann – who spent the last seven years of his life as president of Antioch College – is often referred to as “The Father of American Education.”

As far as being a staunch abolitionist, Mann fought vigorously against slavery as a member of the Massachusetts state legislature (1827-1833) and the U.S. House of Representatives (1848-1853).

Whether you agree or disagree with Mann’s positions, one thing is for certain: he had a lasting impact. As Christians whom Jesus referred to as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”, should we not seek to influence our culture as well?

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:17 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President