2/12, Discussion of the Beecher-Tilton trial, where well-known 19th century Congregationalist preacher Henry Ward Beecher (related to Harriet Beecher Stowe of Uncle Tom's Cabin fame) of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, NY was accused of adultery with the wife of a member of his congregation. Prof. Banner detailed the background leading up to the trial, which included the involvement of women's rights activist, Spiritualist and "free love" advocate Victoria Woodhull. Woodhull, who was the first woman to run for the presidency, revealed the Beecher-Tilton affair, and apparently was involved with Theodore Tilton. There was also a passionate friendship, and a series of letters to that effect, between Beecher and Theodore Tilton. Women's rights leaders Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were also involved. Professor Banner discussed the theology of Beecher's church, which preached love and New Testament ideals over the harsher, Old Testament theology of Beecher's Calvinist father. She also described Woodhull's doctrine of "free love," which advocated the rights of women to love whoever they wanted and to leave loveless marriages. Woodull published accusations against Beecher (who preached against "free love") that began the scandal.
2/19, Students watched The Bostonians, a film based on the Henry James novel.
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