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, 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

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, historical contexts, and philosophical analyses are woven throughout the narrative, providing comprehensive insights into James' views on religion and personal transformation. (00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:19) Overview of the Parallel Lives Series (01:24) First Book: Roger Williams vs. Cotton Mather (01:45) Second Book: Thomas Payne vs. George Whitfield (02:14) Third Book: Ralph Waldo Emerson vs. Joseph Smith (02:47) Current Episode: William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy (03:54) William James on the Divided Self (07:41) The Process of Conversion (19:50) Saintliness and Its Characteristics (22:20) Evaluating Religion and Saintliness (26:36) The Extremes of Saintliness (29:50) The Impact of Saintly Behavior

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 exploration of religious experiences in his book 'The Varieties of Religious Experience.' (00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:18) Overview of the Series and Books (01:20) Previous Episodes Recap (02:41) Current Episode: William James vs. Mary Baker Eddie (03:35) Biography of William James (03:46) William James' Philosophical Contributions (06:18) William James' Personal Life and Health (09:48) William James' European Journey and Lectures (13:47) The Varieties of Religious Experience (26:53) Healthy Mindedness vs. The Sick Soul (31:52) Conclusion: The Completeness of Religions