On the 28th of February 1646 Roger Scott was tried for sleeping in church in Massachusetts. The trial of Roger Scott is a lesser-known but notable event from colonial America, particularly in Massachusetts Bay Colony. Scott was punished for “repeated sleeping in church”, which may seem trivial today but was considered a serious offense in the strict Puritan society of 17th-century New England.
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded by Puritans, who sought to create a deeply religious society based on strict moral and religious discipline. Church attendance was mandatory, and any form of disrespect or disobedience during sermons was viewed as a violation of community standards.
Puritans believed that worship should be taken seriously, and those who disrupted services could face punishment. This included falling asleep during a sermon, which was seen as an act of spiritual laziness or defiance.
Roger Scott, a colonist in Massachusetts, was accused of repeatedly falling asleep during church services. According to historical records, he not only slept in church but also struck the person who woke him up. This act was seen as both disrespectful and disruptive, leading to his trial and punishment.
Scott’s case was handled by the Puritan authorities, who saw his behavior as a threat to religious order. While not a major crime by today’s standards, at the time, his actions were considered blasphemous and disrespectful to God.
As punishment, Roger Scott was sentenced to a public whipping, a common form of discipline in the colony. Public punishments were intended not just to penalise the offender but also to serve as a warning to others.
The trial of Roger Scott is often cited as an example of Puritan religious strictness and the intolerance of dissent in early colonial America. It highlights how church discipline was strictly enforced and how even minor infractions could result in harsh public punishments.
Scott’s case also reflects the broader cultural and religious expectations of the Puritans, where strict adherence to religious customs was necessary for maintaining social order and spiritual purity.
While it may seem humorous today, the incident serves as a reminder of the intense religious atmosphere of the 17th century, where laws and daily life were deeply intertwined with Puritan doctrine.