The Parallel Lives of Thomas Paine and George Whitefield - Episode 87

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson reads from the epilogue of his second book, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers.' The episode features a dramatization of an imaginary group discussion involving twelve American religious thinkers and believers, including Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, Thomas Paine, George Whitefield, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Joseph Smith, William James, Mary Baker Eddy, Mark Twain, Billy Graham, HL Mencken, and Jim Bakker. The other ten individuals quiz Paine and Whitefield about their contrasting lives and philosophies. The discussion explores themes of revolution, religion, and personal belief systems, with Paine and Whitefield representing starkly different viewpoints.

(00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:26) Overview of the Series and Books (01:12) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:37) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (04:03) Dramatization of Historical Figures (05:45) Thomas Payne's Later Years (09:20) George Whitfield's Portraits (13:12) Comparing Payne and Whitfield (13:34) The Assembly of Thinkers and Believers (17:17) Debate on Religion and Revolution (29:26) Reflections and Conclusions

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson delves into the contrasting lives and ideologies of Thomas Payne and George Whitfield. The discussion highlights Payne's deistic beliefs, his rejection of revealed religion and traditional scriptures, juxtaposed with Whitfield's evangelical Christianity, his belief in the Holy Trinity, and powerful preaching during the Great Awakening. Benson provides detailed biographical sketches of both figures, their contributions to religious thought, and their legacies. Additionally, the podcast covers the broader impact of their beliefs on society and their ultimate burial stories.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:25) Overview of the Series (01:13) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:35) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (04:39) Thomas Payne's Deistic Beliefs (13:30) George Whitfield's Evangelical Faith (24:02) The Impact of Whitfield's Preaching (27:47) Theological Differences and Conflicts (35:55) Legacy and Final Days

In episode 85 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson delves into the lives and beliefs of Thomas Payne and George Whitfield, particularly focusing on their responses to slavery in America's colonies. He details Payne's outspoken abolitionist efforts, highlighted by his influential essays and the formation of the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage. Payne's consistent opposition to slavery is contrasted with Whitfield’s evolving stance: despite initially condemning the brutality of slavery, Whitfield eventually capitulated to its economic advantages, utilizing slave labor to support his endeavors, including the Bethesda orphanage. The episode underscores the moral complexities and divergent paths of these two historical figures in their confrontation with slavery.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:25) Overview of the Series (00:48) Book Purchase and Newsletter Subscription (01:14) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:36) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (04:37) Thomas Payne's Fight Against Slavery (12:36) George Whitfield's Journey and Ministry (28:40) Whitfield's Contradictions and Legacy (36:05) Conclusion: Payne and Whitfield's Stance on Slavery

In Episode 84 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson continues to explore the lives and contrasts of Thomas Paine, an influential political writer, and George Whitefield, a powerful Methodist evangelist. Benson delves into Paine's financial struggles, health problems, and critical relationships with figures like Benjamin Franklin. Similarly, the episode examines Whitefield's financial issues, chronic illnesses, and his friendships, mixing these insights with thoughtful comparisons of their talents and beliefs. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how these two prominent figures made their marks on history, despite facing numerous personal challenges.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:14) Overview of Previous Episodes (03:07) Thomas Paine's Biography (03:27) George Whitefield's Biography (03:45) Comparison of Paine and Whitefield (04:43) Episode 84: Paine's Financial Struggles (08:05) Paine's Health Issues (13:14) Whitefield's Health Struggles (19:00) Franklin's Relationship with Paine and Whitefield (30:09) Paine and Whitefield's Talents

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, William H. Benson continues his comparison and contrast of Thomas Paine and George Whitefield, following the biographical readings from his book series, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers'. The episode features detailed accounts of George Whitefield's personal correspondence and interactions, specifically regarding his wife Elizabeth, and insights into the family arrangements, personal journeys, and financial issues experienced by both men. The discussion highlights stark differences in their approaches to family life and professional commitments while drawing parallels in their lifelong journeys and views on financial compensation for their work.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:26) Overview of the Books and Notable Figures (01:04) Subscription and Newsletter Information (01:18) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:41) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (04:46) George Whitefield's Personal Life (11:11) Thomas Paine's Personal Life (13:01) Comparing Family Structures (17:59) Journeys and Travels (30:07) Financial Struggles and Attitudes

In episode 82 of the Noble American Lives podcast, host William H. Benson delves into the lives and legacies of Thomas Paine and George Whitefield. This episode begins with a comparison and contrast of these two historical figures, both born in England and later influential in America. Benson explores their early lives, education, religious influences, and careers. Paine's transition from a staymaker and excise official in England to a renowned writer and pamphleteer in America contrasts sharply with Whitefield's consistent success as a Methodist evangelist. Additionally, the episode touches on their family lives, marriages, and differing attitudes toward religion and society.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:48) Overview of the Books and Subscription Information (01:14) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:40) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:05) Biographies of Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:42) Comparison and Contrast of Paine and Whitefield (04:32) Detailed Lives of Paine and Whitefield (05:34) Family Backgrounds (07:14) Educational Journeys (09:50) Religious Education and Beliefs (13:44) Career Paths (20:12) Marriages and Personal Lives

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson narrates Chapter 19 from his book on George Whitefield, detailing Whitefield's seventh and final journey to America during the Great Awakening. The episode spans Whitefield's arrival in Savannah in December 1769 to his passing in September 1770. Highlights include Whitefield's contributions to the Bethesda Orphanage, his extensive preaching tours across New York and New England, and his deteriorating health. Insights from contemporaries such as John Wesley, Cornelius Winter, and Benjamin Franklin shed light on Whitefield's profound impact and legacy in religious history.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:09)Overview of Previous Episodes (03:20) George Whitefield's Seventh Journey to America (08:00) Final Days and Reflections (18:36) Legacy and Posthumous Events

In this episode of Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson reads the second half of chapter 18 from his book on George Whitefield, focusing on Whitefield's three voyages to America. The episode details Whitefield's expansion of his congregation at Tottenham Court Road, his struggles to find clergymen for his churches, the brutal persecution he faced in Ireland, and his attempts to establish a college at the orphanage in Bethesda. It also highlights his health struggles, his impact on the American colonies through his preaching tours, and his collaborations with other evangelical leaders. George Whitefield's resilience and dedication amid challenges paint a vivid picture of his immense influence during the Great Awakening.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:21) Overview of the Series (01:13) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:42) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:30) George Whitefield's Ministry (04:32) Challenges and Triumphs (07:11) Persecution in Dublin (14:23) Health Struggles and Continued Preaching (21:56) Final Years and Legacy

In Episode 79 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, Bill Benson explores Chapter 18, 'Three Voyages to America,' from his biography on George Whitefield. This episode details Whitefield's transatlantic trips, his work with orphans in Bethesda, his interactions and conflicts with John Wesley, his stances against the Moravians, his travels across the American colonies, including New York, New Jersey, and New England, and the impact of his preaching during the Great Awakening. Significant historical events such as the Seven Years' War and Whitefield's fundraising efforts for Princeton College are also discussed.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Author (01:21) Overview of Previous Episodes (04:38) George Whitefield's Fourth Voyage to America (10:40) Challenges and Controversies (17:57) Whitefield's Impact and Legacy (23:31) Concluding Remarks and Future Plans

George Whitefield's Calvinist Methodist Organization: Episode 78

In Episode 78 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, hosted by Bill Benson, listeners are presented with Chapter 17 from Benson's book on George Whitefield, focusing on Whitefield's Calvinist Methodist Organization. This episode covers Whitefield's return to England after being reported dead, his successful preaching engagements, partnerships with aristocrats like Selina Hastings, and organizational leadership challenges. Despite health issues and competition with John Wesley, Whitefield's eloquence and dedication impressed many, including the Countess of Huntington's circle. The episode also touches on Whitefield's decision to eventually resign from leadership to maintain the freedom to preach broadly, his struggles with health, and the impact of his evangelical efforts across England, Scotland, and Ireland.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:22) Overview of the Series (01:20) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:49) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:34) George Whitefield's Return to England (04:36) George Whitefield's Calvinist Methodist Organization (07:55) Partnership with the Countess of Huntington (14:24) Challenges and Changes in Leadership (24:08) John Wesley's Personal Struggles (27:22) George Whitefield's Indefatigable Preaching (29:09) Elizabeth Whitefield's Journey and Health (31:22) Building an Academy at Bethesda (32:50) Preaching in Ireland and Scotland