Joseph Smith: The Tumultuous Final Days
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
Release Date: 09/17/2025
Mary Baker Eddy: Founding Christian Science
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson continues his exploration of Mary Baker Eddy's life, as detailed in his fourth book, 'The Noble Lives of American Religious Thinkers and Believers.' From Mary’s early days in Portland, Maine under the mentorship of Phineas Quimby, to her discovery of Christian Science following a significant fall in 1866, the episode covers her struggle against poverty, her troubled marriage, and her relentless drive to establish herself as a writer, teacher, and founder of the Christian Science religion. The episode ends with Mary...
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Mary Baker Eddy: Family Troubles
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In this episode of the 'Noble American Lives' podcast, host William H. Benson reads from his biography of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist. The episode details Eddy's challenging life during the mid-19th century, including the loss of family members, the separation from her son, financial hardships, and her turbulent marriage to Daniel Patterson. It highlights the periods of her life living in North Groton, New Hampshire, her declining health, and her eventual encounter with healer Phineas Quimby, who significantly influenced her thoughts on spiritual healing,...
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The Early Years of Mary Baker Eddy
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson reads from his book 'Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers.' The focus is on Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist. Detailed biographical information is provided about her early life, family, health struggles, and educational background. Eddy’s formative years are explored in depth, highlighting her intellectual pursuits, familial relationships, and the early influences that shaped her future religious endeavors. The impact of her familial ties and early losses,...
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William James' Later Years and Legacy
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In episode 125 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson presents a comprehensive biography of William James, an eminent American philosopher and Harvard professor. The episode delves into James' perspectives on religion, his contributions to pragmatism, and his belief in the interconnectedness of scientific and religious thought. Benson also recounts James' personal and professional life, from his memberships in philosophical societies to his investigations into psychical phenomena. The narrative concludes with a reflection on James' later years, culminating in his death in...
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William James: Asceticism, Mysticism, and Pragmatic Religion
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson continues reading from his fourth book, examining William James, a prominent American philosopher and Harvard professor. The session delves into James's perspectives on asceticism, mysticism, and the philosophy of religion. James's thoughts on the spiritual significance of asceticism, despite its shift in value, and his exploration of mysticism's ineffable qualities and its transcendental impact on human consciousness are discussed at length. The analysis further touches on James's critique of intellectual philosophy...
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William James and Religious Conversion: Insights and Comparisons
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, hosted by William H. Benson, listeners are taken through a detailed reading and discussion from his fourth book, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers: William James versus Mary Baker Eddy.' The focus is on William James, a Harvard College professor and eminent American philosopher. Benson delves into James' lectures and writings on topics such as the divided self, the process of unification, conversion, saintliness, and the psychological underpinnings of religious experiences. Detailed comparisons,...
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William James: Reconciling Science and Religion
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In episode 122 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson continues his reading from his book on the life of William James. The episode delves into James's work 'The Will to Believe' and his attempts to reconcile science and religion. It also discusses key moments in James's life, including his significant speech at the Robert Gould Shaw monument dedication, his struggles with heart issues, and his lectures on the psychology of religious experience. The episode highlights James's observations on 'healthy-minded' and 'sick-soul' temperaments, his views on evolution, and his...
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Exploring the Life of William James Continued
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson delves into the life of William James, the acclaimed Harvard professor and American philosopher. Continuing from his fourth book, Benson discusses the impact of William James on psychology and philosophy, his teaching methods, and his personal life including the loss of his mother and the correspondence with his family. Touching on Jame's significant works like 'The Principles of Psychology,' the episode also highlights his thoughts on habit formation and his advocacy for mental therapy practices outside mainstream...
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William James: Struggles and Triumphs
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
William James: Struggles and Triumphs In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson delves into the life of William James. The discussion includes James's early years, his struggles with physical and mental health, and his academic journey. Benson highlights James's time in Europe, his philosophical insights, and his eventual marriage to Alice Howe Gibbons. The episode also covers James's professional accomplishments, including his teaching career at Harvard and his contributions to psychology and philosophy. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:19) Overview of the...
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William Jame's Early Life & Influences
Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
In episode 119 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson continues reading from his fourth book, focusing on William James, an influential American philosopher and Harvard professor. The episode highlights William James's early life, his family's history, and his exposure to Emmanuel Swedenborg's religious views which greatly influenced his father. The narrative delves into William's academic journey, his family's frequent relocations, their ties with notable individuals like Ralph Waldo Emerson, and his eventual decision to pursue medicine at Harvard. This episode also...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson delves into the final days of Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Detailing political and economic strife, personal betrayals, and the dramatic confrontations that led to his eventual assassination inside Carthage Jail, this episode offers an in-depth narrative of the conflicts that marked the end of Joseph Smith's life. A vivid recount of historical events, this episode focuses on the tensions within the Mormon community, Smith's clashes with detractors, and the ultimate sacrifice he made.
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast
(01:19) Overview of Previous Books and Episodes
(04:12) Introduction to Joseph Smith's Biography
(05:01) Conflict and Controversy in Nauvoo
(16:43) The Final Days of Joseph Smith
(20:36) The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith
(31:15) Aftermath and Legacy