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