In this episode, host Bill Benson dives into his book 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers, Roger Williams vs. Cotton Mather.' He examines twelve lives of American religious thinkers and believers, including Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, Thomas Payne, George Whitfield, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Joseph Smith, William James, Mary Baker Eddy, Mark Twain, Billy Graham, H. L. Mencken, and Jim Baker. This episode emphasizes Cotton Mather's extensive writing career and role as a clergyman in colonial Boston. Benson begins reading from the Epilogue, which includes a fictional group discussion among these twelve individuals, wherein they discuss the decisions and choices made by Roger Williams and Cotton Mather throughout their lives.
(02:23) Transition to the Epilogue
(02:35) Imaginary Group Discussion: The Twelve Individuals
(03:03) Reading of the Epilogue
(06:03) Discussion on Roger Williams and Cotton Mather
(19:55) Discussion on the Salem Witch Trials
(27:39) Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Lives of Roger Williams and Cotton Mather
