Maybe I'm Amazed

One of the questions that Maybe I'm Amazed host James Howell gets asked most often is what is the best translation of the Bible? Is it King James? Revised Standard? Or do we need a translation with a more modern version?

James' guest on today's show is professional translator Sarah Ruden, who has translated everything from ancient novels and hymns to Plato.

James and Sarah talk about how Sarah got into her professional (hint: it takes lots of studying different languages), what the benefits are of multiple Bible translations, and why the use of language is so crucial in sharing ideas, stories, traditions and culture.

Normally, when James speaks to people on this podcast, it's someone with whom he's had a long friendship, a deep personal knowledge of, or a proud working relationship. However, today's guest is speaking with James for the first time: violinist and concertmaster for the Philadelphia Orchestra David Kim.

Through a relationship with Kim's mother, James Howell was able to connect to the immensely accomplished Kim for today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed. In their conversation, Kim talks about the difference of perspective of a student and a professor, the role of a concertmaster, teaching master classes at the University of South Carolina, and James shares a story about his quitting piano lessons and not ever being able to talk to his teacher about it.

The American South has a well-earned reputation for things like heritage, pride and storytelling. But many of those points are being revisited as part of a reexamination of what they meant in context to the African slave trade, reconstruction, Jim Crow and how they manifest themselves today.

To help get proper context on these stories, James Howell's guest of today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed is Vernon Burton. Vernon is a professor of history at Clemson University, as well as a prolific author.

Vernon joins James to talk about many of today's most pressing topics, including what it means to see Confederate statues being removed (and what people like Robert E. Lee would have thought about that today - the answer may surprise you), the Supreme Court's role in legislating a post-slavery society, stories of how Abraham Lincoln himself learned to evolve as a leader despite the weight of the world around him, and how Vernon's hometown of Ninety Six, SC got its name.

In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, Myers Park UMC Youth Ministry leader Jason Rhymer talks about how God uses the people who show up. That's certainly not just something he preaches, Jason Rhymer epitomizes the philosophy of showing up. Jason has been an athlete, a certified personal trainer, a mentor, a youth leader and even an actor.

James Howell talks to Jason about his various roles in life and how they've all influenced one another. He asks Jason where he sees divinity in athletic movement and training. The two explore Jason's acting path, and James also tells a story of him missing an easy basketball pass to Jason in the clutch.

As a pastor, James Howell has worked with many community members suffering from dementia. Today's guest has a particularly close experience with this often misunderstood disease. Leading theologian Bishop Kenneth Carder's wife Linda bravely battled with dementia before passing away.

In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, James and Kenneth talk about how theology views dementia, why the disease didn't change who Linda was in God's eyes, why no loving act goes to waste, and how an old pocket knife helps Bishop Carder keep it all in perspective.

Today's episode is a republication of a Wednesday Bible Study session. To watch these chats live, log onto the Facebook page of Myers Park United Methodist Church every Wednesday at 11 a.m. or 8 p.m.

Savvy diners in Charlotte are familiar with restaurateurs Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel's lineup of high quality restaurants concentrated in the NoDa area: Haberdish, Crepe Cellar, Growlers and Reigning Doughnuts have all been lauded by eaters and critics alike. During the pandemic, when many restaurants were forced to close or pivot, the couple turned their attention to opening a new concept in Plaza Midwood called Supperland.

On today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, host James Howell talks to Jamie and Jeff about their background and entering the world of restaurant ownership, the theories of hospitality and attention to detail that goes into everything they do, their adjustments during the pandemic, and opening one of the most highly anticipated restaurant concepts in the city.

Poet and spoken word artist Hannah Hasan joins Dr. James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed. James talks to Hannah about white privilege and its misconceptions and juxtapositions, her work in the community with her Muddy Turtle Talks, her upbringing in Wilkesboro and how her father's death inspired a beautiful moment for her.

Renowned theologian and prolific author Walter Bruggemann joins Dr. James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed.Walter has published more than 50 books (almost all of which Dr. Howell has read), and is regarded as one of the world's greatest Old Testament theologian.

Walter and Dr. Howell's conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of praise, the dangers of idolatry, the functions of quality poetry and much more.

On this week's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, Dr. James Howell is joined by professor Amy-Jill Levine. She grew up loving and knowing many aspects of the Christian traditions—although she is herself an Orthodox Jew. Her perspective is unique and intriguing: she is Jewish, and has a lifelong love and appreciation for things Christian. No surprise she's one of the world's greatest New Testament scholars.