In Episode 77 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson reads Chapter 16, titled 'George Whitefield Preaches Throughout Colonial America,' from his biography on George Whitefield. The episode recounts Whitefield's extensive preaching tours across colonial America, his interactions with notable figures like Jonathan Edwards, and his efforts to support his orphanage, Bethesda. Despite challenges and criticisms, Whitefield's sermons impacted many, though not always resulting in conversions. The chapter also touches on Whitefield's health struggles, his financial efforts for Bethesda, and his acquisitions that included purchasing land and slaves to support the orphanage. The episode concludes with Whitefield's brief sojourn in Bermuda before returning to England.

(00:00) Introduction and Overview (01:19) Series Background and Previous Episodes (04:33) George Whitefield's Journey Begins (08:48) Challenges and Triumphs in Colonial America (14:49) Health Struggles and Continued Preaching (22:49) Return to England and Reflections

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson reads Chapter 15 from his book 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers,' focusing on George Whitefield's challenges with critics in New England during the Great Awakening. The episode covers Whitefield's initial illness upon arriving in the colonies, his interactions with prominent Boston ministers, and the controversies and divisions within New England churches. Benson also highlights Whitefield's encounters with extreme evangelists like James Davenport and the severe criticisms from institutions like Harvard College. The episode provides an in-depth look at Whitefield's efforts to mend his reputation and the impact of his evangelical mission.

(00:00) Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:30) Background on American Religious Thinkers (01:20) Previous Episodes Recap (02:48) Introduction to George Whitefield (04:37) George Whitefield's Challenges in New England (07:35) Criticism and Controversy (09:23) James Davenport's Influence (12:57) Whitefield's Response to Criticism (19:19) Harvard's Testimony Against Whitefield (26:44) Whitefield's Defense and Continued Preaching

In this episode of Noble American Lives Podcast, Bill Benson delves into Chapter 14 of George Whitefield's biography, detailing his personal sorrows and persecution in England. The episode highlights significant moments from 1742 to 1744, including Whitefield's writings, his influential sermons, the birth and tragic death of his son, and the violent opposition he faced from mobs. Additionally, Benson discusses the formation of the Calvinist Methodist conferences and Whitefield's role as a key figure in the Methodist movement.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Series Overview (01:20) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather: Early American Religious Figures (02:48) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield: Contrasting Lives (04:40) George Whitefield's Biography: Personal Sorrow and Persecution (05:56) George Whitefield's Ministry and Challenges (12:05) Family Tragedy and Continued Ministry (18:08) Persecution and Legal Battles (25:17) Final Years and Legacy

In Episode 74 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson reads from his book about George Whitefield's marriage and his preaching engagements in Moorfields, England, and Cambuslang, Scotland. The episode highlights Whitefield's significant evangelical work during the Great Awakening, detailing his experiences and the powerful revivals he led in Scotland in 1742. With letters from Whitefield and testimonials from others, the episode captures the emotional intensity of the revival meetings and the opposition Whitefield faced, shedding light on his legacy in both England and Scotland.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:22) Overview of the Series (00:55) Book Availability and Newsletter (01:22) Journey Through American Religious History (02:52) Focus on George Whitefield (04:46) George Whitefield's Scottish Revival (09:43) The Cambuslang Communion Services (15:18) Controversies and Criticisms (24:33) George Whitefield's Reflections and Return

Episode 73 of the Noble American Lives podcast, hosted by Bill Benson, delves into the front half of Chapter 13 regarding George Whitefield's life. It highlights Whitefield's marriage to Elizabeth James and his preaching endeavors in Moorfields, England, and Cambuslang, Scotland. The episode is a continuation of a biography series from Bill Benson's book, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers: Thomas Paine vs. George Whitefield,' showcasing Whitefield's personal and professional challenges and triumphs during the Great Awakening.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:27) Overview of the Books and Themes (01:12) Subscription and Newsletter Information (01:25) Historical Context and Previous Episodes (03:01) Introduction to George Whitefield (04:57) George Whitefield's Marriage Proposal (10:43) Preaching at Moorfields and Marleybone (19:05) Revival in Scotland

In Episode 72 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson reads Chapter 12 of his book, focusing on George Whitefield's 1741 preaching tour in Scotland. The podcast covers Whitefield's arrival in Edinburgh, his interactions with Scottish Presbyterians, and his refusal to exclusively minister to the Associate Presbyterians. Despite tension and opposition, Whitefield's sermons drew large crowds and had a significant impact. The podcast also delves into the historical context of Scottish Presbyterianism and the theological debates of the time.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:20) Overview of Previous Episodes (02:49) Introduction to George Whitefield (04:41) George Whitefield's Arrival in Scotland (05:32) The Solemn League and Covenant (07:08) The Evangelicals and the Associate Presbytery (10:16) George Whitefield's Preaching Journey (10:53) Conflict with the Associate Presbyterians (20:08) George Whitefield's Continued Preaching (25:12) George Whitefield's Impact and Legacy

In Episode 71 of the 'Noble American Lives Podcast,' Bill Benson continues reading from the second half of Chapter 11 of his book, delving into the estranged relationship between George Whitefield and John Wesley during the Great Awakening. This episode explores the events leading up to and following Wesley's public denunciation of Whitefield, the subsequent division within their congregations, Whitefield's struggles including financial challenges and threat of imprisonment, and his eventual efforts to rebuild his followers and mend the schism, culminating in his successful return to evangelism. (01:07) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:31) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:15) George Whitefield's Biography (03:28) George Whitefield and John Wesley Estranged (04:28) Challenges and Triumphs of George Whitefield (10:24) Rebuilding and Evangelizing (18:04) Conflict with John Wesley (22:04) Missionary Journey and Evangelism (24:10) Preparing for Scotland

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson continues reading from his book series, focusing on the biography of George Whitefield, a prominent Methodist evangelist during the Great Awakening. The episode dives into Chapter 11, detailing the estrangement between George Whitefield and John Wesley due to theological disputes, specifically around predestination and Arminianism. It includes their written confrontations, Wesley's control over the revival in England, and the resulting split within the Methodist and Moravian societies. Bill Benson also touches on Whitefield's legal troubles in Charleston and his determined return to England to challenge Wesley's dominance. (00:19) Overview of the Books and Thinkers (00:44) How to Get the Books and Subscribe (01:10) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:37) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:28) George Whitefield's Biography (04:30) George Whitefield and John Wesley Estranged (05:30) Theological Disputes and Correspondence (11:26) Whitefield's Return to England (13:13) John Wesley's Leadership and Controversies (17:39) Division Between Methodists and Moravians (20:48) Conclusion and Reflections

In Episode 69 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson continues reading from his book, The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers, focusing on the biography of George Whitefield, a prominent Methodist evangelist during the Great Awakening. Benson recounts Whitefield's preaching tour through New England in the fall of 1740, highlighting his impactful sermons, interactions with religious leaders like Jonathan Edwards, and his influence on congregations in various towns. The episode also touches on Whitefield's reflections on New England, interactions with notable figures, and his oratory capabilities. Benson concludes with Whitefield's travel to Charleston, marking significant milestones and achievements of his tour.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:42 Overview of the Books and Subscription Information 01:08 Roger Williams and Cotton Mather 02:33 Thomas Paine and George Whitefield 03:22 George Whitefield's Preaching Tour 06:32 Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield 10:36 Whitefield's Journey Through Connecticut 14:46 Whitefield's Reflections and Encounters 25:33 Challenges and Martyrdom 28:53 Final Reflections and Departure

George Whitefield's Great Awakening: Sermons, Challenges, and Impact in Colonial New England

This podcast episode covers George Whitefield's fervent preaching experiences in Boston during the Great Awakening in the 18th century. The narrative details his arrival in New England, his interactions with prominent clergymen, numerous preaching sessions before large audiences, and significant reactions from the public and dignitaries. The episode highlights Whitefield's dramatic influence, including a tragic incident during a sermon, his critical views on Harvard, and an overview of his interactions with Jonathan Edwards. It also touches on the reception of Whitefield’s revivalist messages by different religious communities and his intense focus on spreading his faith and supporting his orphanage. (03:29) Fall Tour: Preaching in New England (04:37) Arrival in Boston (05:11) Debates and Preaching in Boston (08:27) Tragedy at Checkley's Meeting House (09:38) Continued Preaching and Reflections (18:04) Farewell Sermon in Boston (19:02) Journey to Northampton (23:12) Meeting Jonathan Edwards (25:09) Reflections on Northampton's Revival