In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, Bill Benson delves into Chapter 1 of George Whitefield’s biography from his second book, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers, Thomas Paine vs. George Whitefield.' The chapter, titled 'New Birth at Pembroke College, Oxford University,' discusses Whitefield's early life, his struggles with faith, and his profound spiritual awakening and commitment to a life of religious devotion. This episode provides a deep insight into Whitefield’s journey from a young boy in Gloucester, England, to a renowned Methodist evangelist of the 18th century. (03:47) Introduction to George Whitefield (04:56) Early Life of George Whitefield (07:02) Education and Spiritual Awakening (15:44) Joining the Methodists (20:03) Struggles and Spiritual Trials (30:09) George Whitefield's New Birth (31:28) Conclusion and Legacy

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson reads from his second book 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers, Thomas Paine vs. George Whitefield,' focusing on Chapter 23: Paine's Final Days. The episode covers Paine's final years, his diminishing health, financial struggles, and interactions with various figures. It delves into his critical views on Christianity and his writings against predestination. Paine's final moments, his refusal to recant his deism, and the controversies surrounding his death and burial are explored in detail. (00:47) Overview of the First Book (01:08) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:32) Introduction to the Second Book (03:25) Thomas Paine's Final Days (04:22) Paine's Critique of Religion (15:32) Paine's Last Moments and Legacy

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson delves into Chapter 22 of his book, focusing on Thomas Paine's declining health and personal struggles during the early 1800s. The narration highlights Paine's return to New Rochelle, his financial difficulties, personal disputes, and ultimate decline. Paine's attempts to seek help from prominent figures, his hardships with caretakers, and his eventual stroke are discussed. The episode provides an intimate look at the last years of the influential thinker and writer, capturing his resilience amid challenging circumstances. The podcast encourages listeners to reflect on Paine's enduring impact on American thought and history. (00:43) Overview of the Books and Subscription Information (01:15) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:42) Transition to Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:24) Thomas Paine's Biography (04:24) Paine's Health Deteriorates (04:49) Paine's Financial Struggles (06:01) Paine's Declining Years (10:55) Paine's Final Days (12:15) Paine's Residence with William Carver (15:44) Paine's Move to John Wesley Jarvis's Home (18:11) Paine's Last Residence and Reflections

Thomas Paine's Writings and Religious Critiques In this episode of the Noble American Lives podcast, hosted by Bill Benson, listeners are taken through Chapter 21 of William H. Benson's biography on Thomas Paine, from the book The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers. The episode covers Paine's time in New York City and his collaboration with Elihu Palmer, exploring Paine's articles critiquing the Bible and Christianity that were published in Palmer's journal, The Prospect. The discussion includes Paine's challenges to biblical narratives, Christian doctrines, and the actions of Christian missionaries, contrasting these with deist beliefs. (00:53) Subscription and Newsletter Information (01:12) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:36) Transition to Thomas Paine and George Whitfield (03:00) Thomas Paine's Biography (04:15) Paine's Articles in The Prospect (07:11) Paine's Critique of Christianity (20:46) Paine's Views on the New Testament (24:53) Paine's Final Articles and Reflections

Thomas Paine's Return to America and Political Challenges In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, dated July 4, 2024, Bill Benson continues reading from his second book, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers: Thomas Paine vs. George Whitefield.' Benson reads Chapter 20, detailing Thomas Paine's return to America, his interactions with President Thomas Jefferson, and the hostile reception he faced from Federalists and the public. The episode delves into Paine's efforts to advocate for his beliefs, his correspondence with political figures, and his struggles with societal acceptance. (01:18) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (03:37) Thomas Paine's Return to America (07:40) Paine's Struggles and Writings (11:19) Marguerite de Bonneville and Paine's Later Years (23:12) Paine's Final Days and Reflections

Exploring Thomas Paine's Influence: From Illuminati to Theophilanthropy In Episode 52 of the 'Noble American Lives' podcast, host Bill Benson reads from his second book, 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers, Thomas Paine vs. George Whitefield.' This episode covers Chapters 18 and 19, delving into Thomas Paine's association with the Illuminati and Theophilanthropy. It explores the political and religious backdrop of 18th-century Europe, Paine's critique of religious texts, his trial outcomes, and his interactions with notable figures like Richard Watson. The episode also touches on Paine's eventual return to America, facilitated by Thomas Jefferson.  (00:18) Overview of the Books and Notable Figures (00:42) Subscription and Purchase Information (01:13) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:38) Transition to Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:02) Thomas Paine's Biography (04:25) Illuminati, Social Circle, and Theophilanthropy (18:57) Richard Watson's Apology for the Bible (29:40) Thomas Paine's Later Years and Return to America

The Lives and Ideals of Thomas Paine: Health, Politics, and Revolutionary Writings In this episode of the Noble American Lives podcast, Bill Benson reads from his book series on the parallel lives of notable American religious thinkers and believers. This episode focuses on Thomas Paine's later years, including his time in France, his political writings, and his health struggles. Detailed accounts are given of Paine's relationships with prominent figures such as James Monroe and George Washington, as well as his revolutionary ideas and writings that influenced both American and European politics. Listeners also learn about Paine’s personal challenges and his unwavering dedication to political and social reform.

(01:13) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:40) Transition to Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (04:22) Thomas Paine's Later Life and Works (06:28) Paine's Political Writings and Influence (14:40) Paine's Critique of George Washington (22:56) Paine's Life in France and Continued Activism (31:07) Paine's Plans for England and Final Years

The Age of Reason: Thomas Paine's Critique of Religious Texts - Part 2 In Episode 50 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, Bill Benson continues his reading from 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers, Thomas Paine vs. George Whitefield.'

This episode delves into Chapter 16, 'The Age of Reason, Part 2,' where Thomas Paine critiques the Bible's consistency and authenticity. Paine's analysis covers the Old and New Testaments, questioning the credibility of biblical writers and the plausibility of miraculous events. Paine's criticisms focus on historical inaccuracies, internal contradictions, and the morality depicted in these religious texts.

(00:57) Overview of the First Book (01:20) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:19) Imaginary Group Discussion (02:49) Introduction to the Second Book (03:15) Thomas Paine's Biography (03:44) The Age of Reason, Part 2 (04:33) Thomas Paine's Critique of the Bible (07:48) Paine's Analysis of the New Testament (30:02) Paine's Conclusion on Revealed Religion (33:04) Publication and Reception of The Age of Reason

In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson reads from his second book 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers.' The focus is on Chapter 15, which details Thomas Paine's rationale and motivations for writing 'The Age of Reason' during the Reign of Terror in France. The chapter dives deep into Paine's deist beliefs, his critique of organized religion, and the tumultuous historical context that influenced his writings. Paine's imprisonment during the Reign of Terror, his fear of the guillotine, and his eventual release are also discussed, providing a comprehensive look at both his philosophical thoughts and personal hardships during this critical period. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:18) Overview of the Books and Notable Figures (00:44) Subscription and Book Purchase Information (01:16) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:46) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:27) Thomas Paine's 'The Age of Reason' (04:26) The Reign of Terror and Dechristianization (08:03) Paine's Critique of Religion (31:32) Paine's Imprisonment and Struggles (33:09) Efforts for Paine's Release (40:21) Paine's Survival and Release