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

In episode 135, part five (the epilogue) of The Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson continues reading from his fourth book comparing Harvard philosopher William James with Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy, within a staged group discussion featuring figures like H. L. Mencken, Mark Twain, Joseph Smith, Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, George Whitefield, Billy Graham, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Mencken praises Eddy's rise from hardship; James revises earlier comments from Varieties, noting Christian Science's view of evil and suggesting links to pragmatism. Eddy criticizes James's privileged life and his perceived lack of commitment, while others debate Eddy's theology, authority, and her bylaw replacing preachers with "readers." James and Eddy read passages on prayer that Cotton Mather notes are surprisingly similar, and the scene turns toward Mark Twain beginning his story. (00:00) Series Intro and Setup (01:28) Recap of Earlier Books (02:45) Episode 135 Epilogue Begins (03:58) Mary Baker Eddy Takes the Stage (05:24) William James on Christian Science (09:17) Joseph Smith Debates Theology (12:31) Mary Critiques William James (15:35) HL Mencken and Twain Fire Back (17:28) Roger Williams on Authority (21:42) Preachers vs Lesson Sermon (29:09) Emerson and the Will to Believe (34:08) Prayer Passages Read Aloud 37:57 Mark Twain Story Tease

In episode 134 of the Noble American Lives Podcast (March 3, 2026), William H. Benson introduces his book series pairing American religious thinkers and believers and begins reading the comparison-and-contrast section of his fourth book on William James and Mary Baker Eddy. He outlines their origins, deaths in 1910, family backgrounds, education, health struggles, careers, marriages, parenting, inheritances, and major influences (Henry James Sr. and Emerson for William; Mark Baker and later Phineas Quimby for Mary). Benson contrasts William's path as a Harvard scientist-turned-psychologist and philosopher who studied religion without committing to it, with Mary's rise from poverty and invalidism to author Science and Health, founder and administrator of Christian Science, and target of sustained public and internal opposition. He closes by describing their deaths and differing beliefs about postmortem communication. (00:00) Show Intro (00:21) Series Overview (02:39) Episode Focus (04:01) Births and Deaths (05:13) Fathers and Upbringing (09:35) Education and Travel (11:27) Careers Take Shape (14:56) Marriage and Family (18:53) Motherhood and Separation (21:43) Money and Inheritance (22:34) Health and Healing (26:53) Beliefs and Influences (29:04) Opposition and Controversy (33:15) Science and Religion (35:19) Final Days and Legacy

Episode 133 of the Noble American Lives Podcast (February 24, 2026) has host William H. Benson complete his 2026 biography of Mary Baker Eddy from his fourth book, William James Versus Mary Baker Eddy, after briefly recapping earlier paired volumes and sharing Amazon and Substack subscription notes. The reading highlights Mark Twain's critiques of Eddy's church bylaws, including replacing pastors with lay readers, forbidding explanatory remarks, limiting reader tenure, and Eddy retaining the title "Pastor Emeritus," along with the Mother's Room controversy and Eddy's published responses. It also notes Twain's ambivalence—mocking her while crediting her business ability and force of character—and includes biographer Gillian Gill's imagined account of what a meeting between Twain and Eddy might have been like. Benson lists Eddy's major published works and dates, then covers her 1908 move from Pleasant View to a remodeled Chestnut Hill estate, the founding push for the Christian Science Monitor, and her declining health, including kidney stones, respiratory illness, and disputed morphine use. The episode recounts her final words ("God is my life"), her death on December 3, 1910, funeral and will distributions (including gifts to family, Calvin Fry, Augusta Stetson, a trust, a mortgage payoff, and most of an estimated $3 million estate to the Mother Church), Pleasant View's later demolition, and Christian Science interpretations of her "appearing" to die, ending with Eddy's reported river-crossing vision involving her mother, Albert, Dr. Quimby, and Shakespeare. (00:00) Podcast Intro and Series (01:25) Previous Books Recap (02:44) Episode 133 Setup (03:52) Twain on Church Bylaws (05:52) The Mothers Room Myth (10:52) Twain and Eddy Unmet (12:48) Eddys Major Writings (14:15) Chestnut Hill Decline (16:53) Death Funeral and Will (19:02) Christian Science View of Death (20:56) Eddys Final Vision

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

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

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 medicine. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:24 Overview of Previous Books 02:41 Current Episode: William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy 03:47 Biography of William James 14:45 William James' Academic Career 17:15 William James' Philosophical Contributions 23:03 William James' Later Life and Legacy

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 Series (01:22) Previous Books Recap (02:40) Current Episode: William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy (03:44) William James' Early Career and Health Struggles (05:08) William James' European Sojourn (13:11) Philosophical Crisis and Recovery (18:55) Return to America and Academic Career (22:32) Marriage and Family Life (31:08) Final Years and Legacy

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 touches on William's experiences in the Amazon under the guidance of Louis Agassiz, offering insights into his struggles and eventual realizations about his career path. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:22) Overview of Previous Books and Episodes (02:40) Current Episode: William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy (03:40) Biography of William James: Early Influences (08:37) The James Family's European Travels (17:31) William James' Academic Pursuits (25:42) William James' Expedition to Brazil

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

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

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

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