In episode 117 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson concludes his third book by exploring the contrasting lives and philosophies of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith. The episode dramatizes a stage discussion featuring historical figures who critique and debate the legacies of Emerson and Smith. The conversation covers morality, theology, and the impact of their beliefs on American religious history, illuminating the profound differences and occasional similarities between an intellectual transcendentalist and a religious prophet. The episode ends with both men presenting and reflecting on excerpts from their works, followed by a transition to introducing the next historical figures for upcoming episodes. (00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:24) Overview of the Series and Books (01:22) Details on the First and Second Books (02:45) Introduction to the Third Book (03:07) Today's Episode: Epilogue of the Third Book (04:26) Discussion on Joseph Smith's Actions (08:03) Debate on Religion and Morality (19:55) Final Thoughts and Reflections (25:33) Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview
--------
26:14
--------
26:14
Ralph Waldo Emerson vs. Joseph Smith: The Epilogue
In Episode 116 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson presents the epilogue of his third book, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers: Ralph Waldo Emerson versus Joseph Smith.' The episode features a dramatized fictional discussion between historical figures, focusing on the philosophies and lives of Emerson and Smith. Notable figures such as William James, Mark Twain, and H.L. Mencken participate in the dialogue, tackling various topics including mythology, religion, ethics, and the credibility of Joseph Smith's claims. The episode brings a captivating mix of historical insight and imaginative narrative, culminating in a rich exploration of American religious history. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:22) Overview of the Series (01:26) First Book: Roger Williams vs. Cotton Mather (02:06) Second Book: Thomas Payne vs. George Whitfield (02:54) Third Book: Ralph Waldo Emerson vs. Joseph Smith (04:13) Epilogue: Joseph Smith's Dramatic Life (04:54) Philosophical Debates and Reflections (06:22) Comparisons to Mythology and Literature (09:54) Joseph Smith's Defense and Criticisms (13:25) Final Thoughts and Reflections
--------
23:51
--------
23:51
Emerson vs. Smith: Politics & Scripture
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson explores the lives and legacies of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith as part of his book series, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers.' Benson compares and contrasts the lives of Emerson, a prominent transcendentalist thinker, and Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He discusses their family lives, religious philosophies, and the impacts they had on American society. Emerson's focus on individualism and transcendentalism sharply contrasts with Smith's establishment of a church emphasizing communal structure and a restorationist theology. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:20) Overview of the Series and Books (04:02) Joseph Smith's Family Life (08:23) Smith's Leadership and Controversies (10:25) Smith's Political Ambitions (10:51) Emerson and Smith's Religious Beliefs (12:51) Smith's Devotion to His Church (13:30) Emerson's Personal Losses (14:45) Smith's Vision of Heaven (16:26) Emerson's Pantheistic Views (18:01) Smith's Anthropomorphic Gods (19:25) Emerson and Smith on Creation (20:05) Views on Evil and Sin (21:33) Salvation and Personal Belief (22:01) Scriptures and Prophecy (22:38) Emerson's Call for New Scriptures (23:20) Smith's New Scriptures (24:13) Emerson and Smith on Jesus (25:21) Emerson's Focus on Self-Reliance (29:14) Smith's Emphasis on Knowledge (29:49) Views on History (31:21) Emerson's Individualism vs. Smith's Church (32:29) Conclusion
--------
32:38
--------
32:38
Comparative Lives of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson continues his examination of eminent American religious thinkers and believers by focusing on the parallels and differences between Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith. Both born in the early 19th century, Emerson and Smith had vastly different lives despite their shared New England heritage. The episode delves into their upbringing, careers, religious beliefs, and personal lives, highlighting the contrasting paths each took—Emerson from a Unitarian minister to a transcendentalist writer, and Smith from a farm laborer to the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Benson offers detailed accounts of their respective journeys, ideologies, and legacies, providing a nuanced comparison that illuminates the unique contributions of these two influential figures. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:23) Overview of the Series (03:11) Ralph Waldo Emerson vs. Joseph Smith: A Comparative Analysis (03:59) Early Lives and Backgrounds (08:55) Family and Upbringing (12:52) Education and Early Careers (14:59) Religious Paths and Philosophies (20:29) Writing and Literary Contributions (24:13) Public Speaking and Influence (25:45) Personal Lives and Relationships (30:43) Legacy and Final Thoughts
--------
31:25
--------
31:25
The Final Days and Legacy of Joseph Smith
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson completes his biography of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The episode details the events leading up to and following Joseph Smith's assassination, including the transport and secretive burial of his and his brother Hiram's bodies, and the subsequent actions and beliefs of his surviving family members, particularly Emma Smith. The podcast also explores the complex issue of polygamy in Mormon history, supported by a list of Joseph Smith's additional wives, and details the eventual migration of Brigham Young and the Mormons to Utah. (00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:18) Overview of the Books and Notable Figures (01:22) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:35) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:50) Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith (05:03) The Final Days of Joseph Smith (07:27) Emma Smith's Life After Joseph (11:11) Joseph Smith's Additional Wives
About Noble American Lives: Biographies of America's Religious Thinkers and Believers
This show is about the lives of certain individuals from America's past, who participated in America's religious journey over the past five centuries. Some thought more deeply than did others. Some believed in new ways. Some believed in old ways, but promoted an existing religion in a new way.
Each episode covers a chapter from a biography from twelve individuals: Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, Thomas Paine, George Whitefield, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Joseph Smith, William James, Mary Baker Eddy, Mark Twain, Billy Graham, H. L. Mencken, and Jim Bakker.
In addition, other episodes will include comparisons and contrasts between the individuals.
Listen to Noble American Lives: Biographies of America's Religious Thinkers and Believers, The Rest Is Classified and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
Ireland