Noble American Lives: Biographies of America's Religious Thinkers and Believers

Episode 132 (Feb. 17, 2026) has William H. Benson reading from his book on William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy, continuing Eddy's biography. It covers Eddy's tense 1906 press interview, Joseph Pulitzer's push for a "next friend" lawsuit alleging she was controlled, George W. Glover II's recruitment, and the influence of McClure's anti-Eddy "Milmine" series (largely written in 14 parts by Willa Cather). The 1907 case centers on whether Eddy was competent to create a March 6 trust placing her property under three trustees; after journalists and Chandler's team find her lucid, the suit is dismissed Aug. 21, 1907, and Eddy later gives her son $245,000 with a no-will-contest condition. The script also summarizes Mark Twain's financial and family hardships, his reliance on Frederick Peabody, and his 1907 book Christian Science attacking Eddy's writing, profits from Science and Health, and pursuit of power while also expressing admiration for her achievements.
(00:00) Welcome & Series Overview: The Parallel Lives Project
(02:49) Episode 132 Setup: William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy
(03:51) 1906 Press Interview at Pleasant View: Mary Faces the Reporters
(05:24) Pulitzer Pushes a Lawsuit: Recruiting George Glover
(07:40) McClure's Exposé: The Milmine Biography Shapes Public Opinion
(10:07) Next-Friend Suit Filed & Mary's Trust Deed Defense (1907)
(13:31) In Court and in the Press: Probing Mary's Competence
(15:47) Case Dismissed: Victory, Aftermath, and a Costly Settlement
(16:21) Mark Twain Enters the Story: Fame, Hardship, and a Target
(18:59) Twain's Attack on Mary Baker Eddy: Style, Money, and Power

William H. Benson introduces Episode 130 and continues reading his Mary Baker Eddy biography from the William James vs. Eddy book. The script covers completion and dedication of the Mother Church, including ordaining the Bible and Science and Health as its pastor, plus later visits and speeches. It notes the Mother Church Extension and Eddy's founding of the Christian Science Monitor. It details conflicts with her son George Glover over repeated money requests and her attempts to help his family. It also recounts Eddy's adoption and dismissal of Ebenezer Foster and major attacks from dissident students, Quimby plagiarism accusations, and Boston clergymen.
(00:00) Welcome to Noble American Lives + Series Overview
(02:39) William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy (and Copyright Notice)
(03:39) Building & Dedicating the Mother Church (1894–1895)
(05:43) Eddy's Quiet Visits and Final Addresses at the Mother Church (1895–1896)
(07:54) Expansion & Media Legacy: Extension and the Christian Science Monitor (1902–1908)
(08:58) A Complicated Reunion: Son George Glover's Visits and Money Requests
(14:06) Adopting Ebenezer Foster Eddy—and the Fallout (1888–1897)
(18:25) Enduring Attacks, Outsiders, and the Movement's Rise (1880–1910)
(20:35) The Lynn Rebellion: Student Resignations, Vision, and Expulsions (1881)
(25:17) Public Controversies: Quimby Plagiarism Claims and Clergy Pushback (1883–1885)
(29:10) Tremont Temple Showdown: Eddy's 10-Minute Defense and Aftermath (1885)

In Episode 130 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson narrates the profound life of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist, and contrasts it with the life of William James, a Harvard philosopher. The episode discusses Mary Baker Eddy's significant achievements, such as the establishment and growth of the Christian Science Church, the creation of the Christian Science Monitor, and her personal struggles including the complicated relationships with her son George and her adopted son Ebenezer Foster Eddy. Benson also highlights the various attacks Eddy faced both externally, from rivals and critics, and internally, from within her organization. The episode continues Benson's exploration of notable American religious figures, emphasizing Eddy's resilience and fortitude in the face of recurring challenges.
(00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast
(01:24) Overview of Previous Episodes and Books
(02:41) Episode 130: William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy
(03:49) Mary Baker Eddy's Church and Teachings
(09:01) Mary Baker Eddy's Personal Struggles and Family
(14:06) Adoption of Ebenezer Foster and Subsequent Issues
(18:32) Legal Battles and Public Perception
(27:48) Mary Baker Eddy's Enduring Legacy

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