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

Author: William H. Benson

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.
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Language: en-us

Genres: History, Religion, Religion & Spirituality

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William James vs. Mary Baker Eddy: Epilogue and Debate on Christian Science, Pragmatism, and Prayer
Thursday, 12 March, 2026

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