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 completing her foundational work, 'Science and Health,' and beginning the construction of her own church.
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast
(00:17) Overview of the Series
(01:24) Previous Episodes Recap
(02:41) Today's Episode: Mary Baker Eddy
(03:46) Mary Baker Eddy's Early Life and Challenges
(06:16) The Discovery of Christian Science
(09:31) Mary Baker Eddy's Struggles and Teachings
(22:24) Formation of Christian Science
(26:47) Publication of 'Science and Health'
(28:41) Conclusion and Legacy

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, setting the stage for her future work in Christian Science.
(00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast
(00:18) Overview of the Series and Books
(01:25) Previous Episodes Recap
(02:44) Today's Focus: Mary Baker Eddy
(03:48) Mary Baker Eddy's Early Life and Family Struggles
(08:29) Marriage to Daniel Patterson and Continued Hardships
(11:39) Separation from Son and Financial Troubles
(24:01) Health Struggles and Meeting Phineas Quimby
(26:50) Quimby's Influence and Mary's Transformation
(29:53) Controversies and Legacy

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, such as the death of her brother Albert, are also conspicuously noted, as well as her attempt to start an academy and her early widowhood.
(00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast
(01:22) Overview of Previous Books and Episodes
(02:39) Introduction to Mary Baker Eddy
(03:36) Early Life of Mary Baker Eddy
(09:51) Mary's Family and Education
(22:42) Marriage and Life with George Glover
(28:10) Return to New Hampshire and Motherhood

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 1910 at the age of 68.
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast
(01:23) Overview of Previous Books
(02:46) Introduction to William James
(03:54) William James' Views on Religion and Science
(11:06) William James' Personal Life and Relationships
(18:19) William James' Later Years and Legacy
(33:46) Final Days and Passing of William James

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 concerning religious experience and the pragmatic evaluation of religious concepts. The episode provides a comprehensive look into how James distinguished between feeling and thought in religion, highlighting the limitations of dogmatic theology and intellectual philosophy in truly capturing the essence of religious experiences.
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast
(00:19) Overview of the Books and Series
(01:22) Previous Episodes Recap
(02:41) Today's Focus: William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy
(03:46) Biography of William James
(03:48) William James on Asceticism and Heroism
(09:34) Mysticism and Its Traits
(16:02) Philosophy of Religion
(23:22) Catholic vs. Protestant Aesthetics
(24:43) Sacrifice, Confession, and Prayer
(25:56) Automatism in Religion
(28:44) Conclusions on Religion