In episode 109 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson continues his series on American religious thinkers and believers with a focused biography on Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This episode delves into Smith’s efforts to build a theocracy in Nauvoo, Illinois between 1839 and 1844. Highlights include his endeavors to construct a temple, his disagreements with federal leadership in Washington D.C., his relationship with Dr. John C. Bennett, the introduction of new religious ceremonies, and the establishment of the Nauvoo Legion and University. The episode also touches on personal tragedies in Smith's life and his interactions with his wife, Emma.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:20) Overview of Previous Books (03:50) Introduction to Joseph Smith's Biography (05:03) Joseph Smith's Early Years in Illinois (07:39) Challenges and Growth in Nauvoo (10:11) Missionary Work and Expansion (12:39) Political Struggles and Advocacy (17:53) John C. Bennett's Influence (22:55) Construction of the Nauvoo Temple (26:03) Masonic Influences and Rituals (28:45) Life in the Mansion House

In the 108th episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, hosted by William H. Benson, the focus is on the life of Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The episode delves into the intense persecution faced by Smith and his followers, the violent conflicts with Missourians, and the harsh retaliatory acts taken against the Mormons. It recounts pivotal events such as the siege of Mormon settlements, Smith's passionate call to arms, the notorious Hans Mill Massacre, and Smith's eventual surrender. The narrative continues with the detailed account of the imprisonment of Joseph Smith and his associates, the conditions of their confinement, and the notable revelations Smith wrote during his captivity. It concludes with their dramatic escape and reunion with the Mormon community.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:20) Overview of Previous Books (03:55) Introduction to Joseph Smith (04:57) Joseph Smith's Legal Troubles Begin (06:03) Conflict with Missourians (11:07) Governor Boggs' Extermination Order (11:56) The Haun's Mill Massacre (18:09) Surrender and Imprisonment (25:39) Life in Liberty Jail (26:42) Revelations in Jail (29:04) Escape and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Noble American Lives, host William H. Benson continues to explore the life of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The episode delves into the events surrounding the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, the speculative land frenzy, and the creation of the Kirtland Safety Society Bank. As Smith's financial woes worsen, his ventures take a deep dive, leading to lawsuits and failed missions. The narrative also details the internal dissent within the church in Kirtland and the subsequent migration to Far West, Missouri. Against the backdrop of rising tensions with local Missourians, Smith's attempts to stabilize his followers culminate in the Missouri Mormon War.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:22) Overview of Previous Books (04:18) Introduction to Joseph Smith (05:07) The Kirtland Temple Dedication (06:57) Financial Troubles and the Kirtland Safety Society (07:47) Mission to Salem and Continued Financial Struggles (09:00) Banking Fiasco and Legal Issues (13:31) Internal Church Conflicts (15:40) Missionary Efforts and Expansion (20:01) Relocation to Missouri (21:16) Establishing Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman (24:59) Conflict and the Missouri Mormon War

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson delves into the life of Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The discussion covers Smith’s early collaborations with Sidney Rigdon, the establishment of religious communities in Kirtland, Ohio, and Zion, Missouri, as well as significant events and revelations that shaped the LDS Church. Key events include the arrival of Rigdon in New York, the establishment of a communistic society, Joseph's visions and revelations such as the Word of Wisdom, and the persecution faced by the Saints in Missouri. The episode also highlights personal trials faced by Joseph Smith and his family, including the loss of children and the growing tensions between church members and outsiders.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:18) Overview of the Books and Subscription Information (01:24) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:41) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (04:03) Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith (05:05) Joseph Smith's Biography: Early Years (06:48) Sidney Rigdon's Influence and Communistic Society (11:15) Challenges and Revelations in Kirtland (15:42) Expansion to Missouri and Zion (27:45) Conflict and Persecution in Missouri

In episode 104 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson continues reading from his biography on Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This episode delves into the intricate history and themes of the Book of Mormon, detailing the narratives of Nephi, the people of Zarahemla, and the Jaredites among others. Benson highlights the challenges and criticisms faced by Joseph Smith following the publication of the Book of Mormon. The episode also covers the foundation of the Church of Christ with key figures and the initial organizational structure, along with Joseph Smith's personal endeavors and Emma Smith's struggles and eventual compliance to support the church's mission. The overarching narrative emphasizes Joseph Smith's multifaceted abilities and the lasting impact of his religious movement.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:19) Overview of the Books and Themes (01:20) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:35) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (03:52) Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith (04:52) Joseph Smith's Biography (17:06) The Book of Mormon's Origins and Content (22:23) Establishing the Church of Christ (28:34) Emma Smith's Struggles and Revelations

In Episode 103 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson continues reading from his book, focusing on Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The episode details critical events in Joseph Smith's life, including the death of his first child, the recovery and loss of sacred pages, and his subsequent divine revelations. It describes the translation process of the Book of Mormon through the use of the seer stone and the revelations given to Joseph, such as those included in the Doctrines and Covenants. Additionally, the episode recounts significant events like the arrival of Oliver Cowdery, the selection of witnesses to the golden plates, and the publication challenges of the Book of Mormon. Finally, listeners are provided with an in-depth look at the historical and theological context surrounding the Book of Mormon's contents. (00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:49) Overview of the Books and Subscription Information (01:20) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:34) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (03:48) Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith (04:49) Joseph Smith's Early Life and Revelations (07:35) Translation of the Book of Mormon (12:50) Witnesses and Publication of the Book of Mormon (19:26) Structure and Content of the Book of Mormon (24:59) Lehi's Journey and the Nephites and Lamanites

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, hosted by William H. Benson, the focus is on Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The episode covers various aspects of Smith's life, beginning from his discovery of the seer stone in 1822 at the age of 16, through his involvement with treasure hunting in Western New York. It includes details about his visions, particularly the visit from the angel Moroni who revealed the existence of golden plates containing ancient records. The narrative also delves into family dynamics, recurrent financial struggles, and Joseph's marriage to Emma Hale. The episode concludes with the early stages of translating the golden plates with Martin Harris' assistance, which leads to critical moments in the formation of the Book of Mormon.

(00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:17) Overview of the Books and Subscription Information (01:19) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:31) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (03:46) Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith (04:46) Joseph Smith's Early Life and Visions (13:20) Challenges and Family Struggles (23:30) Joseph Smith's Marriage and Move to Harmony (27:36) Translating the Golden Plates

In this episode of Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson dives into the fascinating early life of Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From his family's challenging financial circumstances and frequent relocations to young Joseph's severe health battles and spiritual struggles, this episode offers an in-depth look at the formative years of a key American religious figure. Listeners will also hear about Joseph's first vision, which set the stage for his future religious endeavors, and the skepticism he faced from the religious community. This episode highlights both the personal and spiritual development of Joseph Smith amidst the backdrop of early 19th-century America.

(00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:18) Overview of the Parallel Lives Series (01:21) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:35) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (03:50) Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith (04:50) Joseph Smith Jr.'s Early Life (06:26) The Smith Family's Struggles and Moves (09:53) Joseph Smith Jr.'s Health Challenges (12:34) Religious Influences and Family Dynamics (16:43) The Move to Palmyra, New York (21:23) Joseph Smith Jr.'s Spiritual Journey (24:53) The First Vision and Its Aftermath (27:55) Skepticism and Persecution (29:02) Joseph Smith Jr.'s Imagination and Storytelling

In this milestone 100th episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, hosted by William H. Benson, the discussion centers on the life and works of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Benson delves deep into Emerson's perspectives on various subjects, including his criticisms of Emanuel Swedenborg's theology and views on Shakespeare's originality and influence. He details Emerson's contributions to literature, his later years, and eventual health decline, leading to his death. Additionally, the episode offers insights into Emerson's travels, his reception by the intellectual community, and his interactions with contemporaries like John Muir and Walt Whitman.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:17) Overview of the Books and Themes (01:22) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:41) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (04:02) Ralph Waldo Emerson's Biography (05:02) Emerson's Critique of Swedenborg (08:18) Emerson on Shakespeare (12:58) Emerson's Later Years and Travels (16:49) Final Days and Legacy of Emerson

Exploring Ralph Waldo Emerson: Insights from Experience

In episode 98 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, hosted by William H. Benson, the spotlight is on Ralph Waldo Emerson, particularly his grand essay 'Experience'. This episode is part of Benson's larger work, 'Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers'. Benson delves into Emerson's philosophical ideas, particularly examining his exploration of personal power, tragedy, and life's complexities as depicted in 'Experience'. He discusses Emerson's perspective on life's illusions, grief, temperament, succession, surface, surprise, reality, and subjectiveness. The episode also contextualizes Emerson's life within significant historical and personal events, including his relationship with Henry David Thoreau and his broader impact on American literature and thought through his writings, travels, and associations.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:19) Overview of Previous Episodes (03:58) Ralph Waldo Emerson: A Deep Dive (04:52) Emerson's Essay 'Experience' (19:48) Emerson's Personal Life and Relationships (27:43) Emerson's Political and Social Views