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Mary Magdalene Never Wore Blue Eye Shadow: How to Trust the Bible When Truth and Tradition Collide
Truth, Legend, and the Stories You Thought You Knew
Tradition suggests Mary Magdalene was a prostitute and Jesus was born in a barn. But what does the Bible really say? Armed with her theology degree, archaeological experience, and sharp wit, Amanda Hope Haley clears up misconceptions of Bible stories and encourages you to dig into Scripture as it is written rather than accept versions altered by centuries of human interpretations.
Providing context with native languages, historical facts, literary genres, and relevant anecdotes, Haley demonstrates how Scripture—when read in its original context—is more than a collection of fairy tales or a massive rule book. It’s God’s revelation of Himself to us.
She teaches you to… It’s time to abandon the gods of tradition, and meet God in His Word.
Tradition suggests Mary Magdalene was a prostitute and Jesus was born in a barn. But what does the Bible really say? Armed with her theology degree, archaeological experience, and sharp wit, Amanda Hope Haley clears up misconceptions of Bible stories and encourages you to dig into Scripture as it is written rather than accept versions altered by centuries of human interpretations.
Providing context with native languages, historical facts, literary genres, and relevant anecdotes, Haley demonstrates how Scripture—when read in its original context—is more than a collection of fairy tales or a massive rule book. It’s God’s revelation of Himself to us.
She teaches you to… It’s time to abandon the gods of tradition, and meet God in His Word.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
22 people are currently reading
1514 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Hope Haley
9 books79 followersAmanda Hope Haley is a lover of the Bible—its God, words, people, and history. Writing and speaking as the Red-Haired Archaeologist®, she teaches how artifacts contextualize Scripture. She hopes to see Bible lovers work together to learn history, interpret Scripture, and apply God’s Word to their lives. Amanda earned an MTS in Hebrew Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard University. She contributed to The Voice Bible as a translator, writer, and editor, and she has been a collaborator for popular Christian authors. She and her husband, David, live in Tennessee with their beloved basset hound, Copper.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 10, 2019
Much of this book isn't a bad. She talked about how we got the Bible, how different Protestant denominations came about and some of their traditions, and gave some Bible background information for the New Testament that was fine. She also talked about how we shouldn't add human ideas to the Bible or cherry-pick verses to prove our point and we should keep the verse context in mind. But then she does exactly that about Genesis.
She says that God used the Big Bang and evolution to create. (Both are human models that continually change and are guesses about the past by people who weren't there. God was there and told us what happened, and a closer look shows that the Genesis account and the Big Bang don't mesh.) She says that because yom/day indicates a longer than a 24-hour period in other contexts, it can be used that way in Genesis 1. (Linguistically not true; look up Answers in Genesis online for more info.) So she's adding human ideas to the Bible.
She also seems to feel that our interpretation of archaeological finds and ancient texts should shape our understanding of the Bible. She accepts that there was a big flood because other cultures have flood stories. She doesn't necessary think that the Bible's version is the accurate account. She feels that the Bible is meant to teach moral truths and so doesn't need to be historically accurate. She accepts the Documentary Hypothesis (which I thought was very discredited these days, but I guess not). She often says the right things but then does the very thing she's teaching against, so I can't recommend this book. Some quotes:
(Location 540-541) "It truly doesn’t matter whether or not yom means “twenty-four hours” in Genesis 1 because creation is no less amazing if it took 13.8 billion years instead of seven days to get us here."
(Location 734-735) "Just because a book contains historical truth doesn’t mean it is a history book. The Bible has many great examples of this."
(Location 757-758) "We have to become okay with saying, “I don’t know why,” when Scripture conflicts with science and history."
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
She says that God used the Big Bang and evolution to create. (Both are human models that continually change and are guesses about the past by people who weren't there. God was there and told us what happened, and a closer look shows that the Genesis account and the Big Bang don't mesh.) She says that because yom/day indicates a longer than a 24-hour period in other contexts, it can be used that way in Genesis 1. (Linguistically not true; look up Answers in Genesis online for more info.) So she's adding human ideas to the Bible.
She also seems to feel that our interpretation of archaeological finds and ancient texts should shape our understanding of the Bible. She accepts that there was a big flood because other cultures have flood stories. She doesn't necessary think that the Bible's version is the accurate account. She feels that the Bible is meant to teach moral truths and so doesn't need to be historically accurate. She accepts the Documentary Hypothesis (which I thought was very discredited these days, but I guess not). She often says the right things but then does the very thing she's teaching against, so I can't recommend this book. Some quotes:
(Location 540-541) "It truly doesn’t matter whether or not yom means “twenty-four hours” in Genesis 1 because creation is no less amazing if it took 13.8 billion years instead of seven days to get us here."
(Location 734-735) "Just because a book contains historical truth doesn’t mean it is a history book. The Bible has many great examples of this."
(Location 757-758) "We have to become okay with saying, “I don’t know why,” when Scripture conflicts with science and history."
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 30, 2019
Mary Magdalene Never Wore Blue Eye Shadow is an interesting and informative book. The author, Amanda Hope Haley, holds a master’s degree in Hebrew Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard University. Haley does a fantastic job guiding the reader through some of the finer points of biblical study—encouraging them to consider dating methods, archaeology, translation and transliteration, denominational perspectives, etc. Her tone seems to be progressive, but sympathetic to believers who may be struggling with having a shift in perspective. This is not an objective book, as Haley makes it clear she is a Christian and believes the Bible to be inspired. Nevertheless, she presents the information clearly and is undoubtedly knowledgeable about the subject matter. Readers who enjoy books by Peter Enns and Rachel Held Evans should certainly put this one on their to-be-read pile.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
December 16, 2019
This is one of the BEST, most accessible books on biblical interpretation I have ever read. Amanda Hope Haley provides a very easy to read - yet challenging - book on understanding the Bible. Her background in biblical archaelogy makes her findings very evidence-based, but her strong faith in God shines through in every page. I thought she was very thoughtful, logical and faithful - a rare find in hermeneutics books. 5 stars for sure!
October 25, 2021
Brilliant. I have learnt so much from this book and is written in an easy to understand manner. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2020
Originally started last year. Returned to it with more focus and thoroughly enjoyed the level of scholarship and faith building insight.
Very balanced approach to the Christian Faith, the origins of the scriptures, how to study them, why things go wrong and confusion happens.
Having studied theology myself I am comfortable with this subject and have always found modern literary criticism, liberal and destructive to the point you lose sight of why you started in the first place.
Mostly this is because those scholars in the main adapt traditional academic practices and dismiss the role of God in the process.
I am more comfortable with this author who is both theologically trained and a biblical archaeologist. Her heart and faith rest in God but isn’t afraid to say she doesn’t know. However, what she does know she shares openly, frankly and with conviction.
This is a book that is informative and faith building.
It is scholarly and provides the range of methods including biblical criticism that challenges authorship and the writings themselves. So you are given a good introduction into this subject and as a result your own faith isn’t crushed. It may be either deepened or be more open to scepticism. But as the author suggests we need to allow God to lead us in his ways and be involved in our quest for knowledge.
I picked up this book as I saw that her next book with an equally snappy title is due out. “The Red-Haired Archaeologist digs Israel.” Based on this book I now can’t wait!
Very balanced approach to the Christian Faith, the origins of the scriptures, how to study them, why things go wrong and confusion happens.
Having studied theology myself I am comfortable with this subject and have always found modern literary criticism, liberal and destructive to the point you lose sight of why you started in the first place.
Mostly this is because those scholars in the main adapt traditional academic practices and dismiss the role of God in the process.
I am more comfortable with this author who is both theologically trained and a biblical archaeologist. Her heart and faith rest in God but isn’t afraid to say she doesn’t know. However, what she does know she shares openly, frankly and with conviction.
This is a book that is informative and faith building.
It is scholarly and provides the range of methods including biblical criticism that challenges authorship and the writings themselves. So you are given a good introduction into this subject and as a result your own faith isn’t crushed. It may be either deepened or be more open to scepticism. But as the author suggests we need to allow God to lead us in his ways and be involved in our quest for knowledge.
I picked up this book as I saw that her next book with an equally snappy title is due out. “The Red-Haired Archaeologist digs Israel.” Based on this book I now can’t wait!
February 16, 2023
My curiosity was stirred when I read the description of this book. I have always found contradictions in what I heard at church, what I believed, and what I read. I found this book thought provoking, and a fast read. I didn't always agree with everything she said, but I wasn't put off by her explanations or ideas either. I would highly recommend this book if you ever questioned some of your church ideas.
June 16, 2025
I liked this book! The author walked through an overview of the Bible, different Protestant faiths and their origins, and explained a lot about the historical background of many Bible stories. She also talked through who wrote which books and what context. The author was an archaeologist, so that informs a lot of her study.
August 14, 2020
This book came along at a time when the Lord was challenging my Westernized understanding of scripture and beliefs of how the Bible came into existence. Amanda Hope Haley's "Mary Magdalene..." helped me understand hermeneutics and introduced me to the original context of the Bible in a way that I felt conveyed knowledge without the overtone of intellectual superiority. Her easy way with words drew me along in the story, and it was exactly what I needed to read. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking the truth behind the Truth, so-to-speak. ;)
November 28, 2019
Amanda delves deep into the very structure of the Bible, exploring how the holy manuscripts were written, compiled, and translated and teaching us to cherish each passage for its unique literary structure and voice. That contribution alone would have been enough, because she lays out that complicated history in such an easy-to-understand format that the reader leaves enlightened rather than overwhelmed.
But she goes deeper, teaching us how to view science’s relationship with the Bible in a healthy manner (the passages on creation literally made me tear up!), how to look at scripture in context rather than “cherry-picking,” how to read slowly and carefully, and ultimately, how to strip everything away, everything you have ever heard, everything you are “supposed” to read into scripture, and just listen.
Particularly helpful, I thought, was the chapter entitled “Too Many Cookbooks in the Christian Kitchen,” which talks about the problem, not new to our generation, of preferring to follow a doctrine, or a denomination, or legalism, or a man, which is so easy for us to do, isn’t it? I think a lot of times these problems start as we try to boil our beliefs down into a teachable message to take out into the world. But we forget to fluff the stew back up again to learn God in the fullness of His glory. Amanda does a wonderful job reminding us of just how important it is to do that.
Her tone is conversational and easy-to-read. I found that the scripture she used as examples throughout was particularly well-chosen. You feel like you’re in a really fun classroom and she’s the teacher at the front with a blackboard breaking it all down into understandable language. And finally, I will add that what Amanda does is more than just teach hermeneutics (a word we learn in the last chapter!). She presents the beautiful, awe-inspiring picture of God’s plan. It seeps in when you least expect it, moving you to emotion and prodding you to reflect on what an awesome God we serve.
Highly recommended!
But she goes deeper, teaching us how to view science’s relationship with the Bible in a healthy manner (the passages on creation literally made me tear up!), how to look at scripture in context rather than “cherry-picking,” how to read slowly and carefully, and ultimately, how to strip everything away, everything you have ever heard, everything you are “supposed” to read into scripture, and just listen.
Particularly helpful, I thought, was the chapter entitled “Too Many Cookbooks in the Christian Kitchen,” which talks about the problem, not new to our generation, of preferring to follow a doctrine, or a denomination, or legalism, or a man, which is so easy for us to do, isn’t it? I think a lot of times these problems start as we try to boil our beliefs down into a teachable message to take out into the world. But we forget to fluff the stew back up again to learn God in the fullness of His glory. Amanda does a wonderful job reminding us of just how important it is to do that.
Her tone is conversational and easy-to-read. I found that the scripture she used as examples throughout was particularly well-chosen. You feel like you’re in a really fun classroom and she’s the teacher at the front with a blackboard breaking it all down into understandable language. And finally, I will add that what Amanda does is more than just teach hermeneutics (a word we learn in the last chapter!). She presents the beautiful, awe-inspiring picture of God’s plan. It seeps in when you least expect it, moving you to emotion and prodding you to reflect on what an awesome God we serve.
Highly recommended!
December 17, 2019
This is a great book for those interested in digging deeper into Christianity and why we believe some of the things we believe. As a person who grew up in a fairly conservative, evangelical church and then studied religion from a historical and textual perspective in college and grad school, this was a fantastic opportunity to revisit some of the things that once challenged my beliefs but now help inform who I am. The author does an excellent job of presenting the material, but is very upfront that she carries a particular bias as a Christian. I imagine some of her content may challenge long-held beliefs for some, but she does so in a respectful and fact-driven way. As someone who was forced to confront challenges to my faith during those college and grad school days, I in particular can appreciate how those challenges can lead to deeper faith.
The author uses relatable and modern examples that will be familiar to today's readers who have a causal interest in the historical bits of religion, but also drives at some of the scholarly content that interests those from more academic backgrounds. I in particular enjoyed the section on the Proverbs 31 woman, and some of the satirical content around marriage. Haley has a talent for writing in a way that engages the reader and makes it feel like a conversation. You don't feel scolded for believing certain things. You aren't told your beliefs are wrong. You're simply presented with a fuller picture and left to reach your own conclusions.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the struggle between our modern world full of science, technology and cynicism around our faith traditions. It will help you see how the two can peacefully coexist. And maybe, if you're in need, it will help restore your faith.
The author uses relatable and modern examples that will be familiar to today's readers who have a causal interest in the historical bits of religion, but also drives at some of the scholarly content that interests those from more academic backgrounds. I in particular enjoyed the section on the Proverbs 31 woman, and some of the satirical content around marriage. Haley has a talent for writing in a way that engages the reader and makes it feel like a conversation. You don't feel scolded for believing certain things. You aren't told your beliefs are wrong. You're simply presented with a fuller picture and left to reach your own conclusions.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the struggle between our modern world full of science, technology and cynicism around our faith traditions. It will help you see how the two can peacefully coexist. And maybe, if you're in need, it will help restore your faith.
July 10, 2020
So Well-Written!
I loved this! This showed me it's okay not to have all the answers, and maintain a questioning attitude while continuing my learning.
I loved this! This showed me it's okay not to have all the answers, and maintain a questioning attitude while continuing my learning.
September 15, 2019
Look, if you're a Christian or you are interested in learning more about the Bible, stop whatever you are doing and get this book!
I really wish we had this as a study companion for all the Bible study sessions we had during confirmation and baptism classes, it'd make the whole process quite thrilling!
So, thank you Amanda for researching and writing this book and Harvest House Publishers for having this out, I'm not keen on spoilers but the aspect of 'Christ' and 'the Christ,' still has me shook!
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC, now I feel like I'm enlightened.
I really wish we had this as a study companion for all the Bible study sessions we had during confirmation and baptism classes, it'd make the whole process quite thrilling!
So, thank you Amanda for researching and writing this book and Harvest House Publishers for having this out, I'm not keen on spoilers but the aspect of 'Christ' and 'the Christ,' still has me shook!
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC, now I feel like I'm enlightened.
September 12, 2019
This is a very relatable book with scripture-based explanations for societal norms today. Writer Amanda Hope Haley uses her theological background to weave a humble approach to teaching others how God really sees things we find important in our daily life. Her stories and examples are well developed to help put scripture in a realistic and honest light.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2019
I really enjoyed the approach of the author to bring about clarity on topics and ideas of traditionalism, legalism and biases that Christians have that aren’t biblically sound or theologically correct. Although I didn’t agree with the way she presented every idea, I found myself being challenged and the book served as an eye opener and provoked me to think more about why I believe what I believe.
January 18, 2020
Haley, a Bible scholar and biblical archeologist, has written a book that is rich in historical context and accessible to non-scholars. I appreciate how Haley both reaffirms the authority of scripture and allows for proper historical context.
October 21, 2019
I learned a lot from Mary Magdalene Never Wore Blue Eye Shadow. I liked that this book was neither "dumbed down" nor too difficult to be an enjoyable read.
November 21, 2019
What a fascinating read, you could tell that the author was passionate about the topic and was well-written. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more from the author.
October 26, 2024
This book is very well written. It is palatable without oversimplifying the information or language. Most people will be able to pick this up and learn something interesting, regardless of their exposure to the topics covered. Haley’s archeological background and understanding of the historical and linguistic context of the Bible has a lot to offer the reader. I’m sure many Christians will take aim at some of her conclusions for being too “liberal” and not “Answers in Genesis” approved, but honestly thank God for that. I actually am on the opposite side of the spectrum. Sometimes her reverence for the Bible and its inspiration shined so bright I did a double take wondering if parts were too conservative for me. But it wasn’t. I appreciated that about the book. It challenged me not to throw the baby out with the bath water. I especially appreciated the portion discussing the end of Mark, and how the additions at the end of Mark mirrors the scribes handlings of earlier parts of the Bible. God’s hand has been on the Bible and whatever we have is what we are supposed to have and that’s all part of its inspiration. Also thank you for showing examples of yom not meaning a literal 24 hour day. I was taught there is no place it ever means anything other than a 24 hour day and have since rejected that. I appreciate having the receipts to back it up now.
August 11, 2022
"Too often Christians tie themselves in knots trying to justify their own beliefs that may be scriptural but more often based on tradition or opinion."
"Most of what Christians fight over are behaviors that may or may not be sins. When we don't like the ways that other people act, it is easy to label their actions as sinful whether they are or not."
"We should have less pride in our opinions and more pride in Jesus' work for all of us...and trust that God is in control of His creation."
I appreciated the author's explanation at the end of how Christian faith traditions have evolved and expanded over the centuries and the basic tenants of them all. I also enjoyed her perspective as a biblical archaeologist.
"Most of what Christians fight over are behaviors that may or may not be sins. When we don't like the ways that other people act, it is easy to label their actions as sinful whether they are or not."
"We should have less pride in our opinions and more pride in Jesus' work for all of us...and trust that God is in control of His creation."
I appreciated the author's explanation at the end of how Christian faith traditions have evolved and expanded over the centuries and the basic tenants of them all. I also enjoyed her perspective as a biblical archaeologist.
August 20, 2020
Amanda Hope Haley takes you on a wild ride through the Bible! This book lays out the ways to read the Bible, how to read in context, and how to discover the Bible for yourself. So much of today's reading is "generic" or "vanilla" and doesn't give you the hard questions you need to work through to truly find God. Amanda presents the Bible is a way that I have never experienced before. She guides you through the historical, liturgical, and contextual aspects of the Bible. You will not be disappointed to pick this book up and rediscover God, Jesus, and all of the wonderful ideas and people in the Bible.
January 20, 2020
I was originally introduced to this title through advertisements on the Bible Binge podcast, and that demographic and the title created the impression that this would be a humorous memoir.
It is not. It is chock full of dense, good biblical information, but it is not fun or easy to read. If you’re looking for a good primer on what the Bible is and where it comes from, this is the book for you.
Looking for a faith-based read that you would want to read for pleasure? Keep looking.
It is not. It is chock full of dense, good biblical information, but it is not fun or easy to read. If you’re looking for a good primer on what the Bible is and where it comes from, this is the book for you.
Looking for a faith-based read that you would want to read for pleasure? Keep looking.
Read
September 7, 2024The author has the credential of a Master of Theological Studies degree in Hebrew Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard University. Loved all the writing about how the translation from the original Biblical writings is distorted (wonky). Good archeological information. She had another word for it, but she said that Fundamentalism gets judgmental. Informative discussion on the different Protestant beliefs.
Some weird stuff about the end of time in 2018, but published in October, 2019.
Some weird stuff about the end of time in 2018, but published in October, 2019.
March 27, 2023
If this were the first book of this genre that I had ever read it might have received higher marks. There was some to agree with, some that seemed inaccurate, and the majority that wasn't new. The author stated that the Hebrew word yom can mean day, period of time, or year. I have not confirmed that to be true. (for an example)
January 29, 2022
Very interesting read that I was able to learn new things from regarding religious and biblical truths. Not necessarily what I was expecting but a very thought provoking read which I will utilize further as I delve into understanding the Bible for myself.
April 7, 2024
Not what I expected when I first picked it up, I expected something lighter. This is an in depth read on how to better understand the apparent contributions and misconceptions in the Bible and our Christian traditions.
Read
August 21, 2021Liked the concept more than the execution but there were some good parts that can be useful and to springboard into further aim to learn the context to better understand the Bible
October 6, 2025
Each Sunday at mass I hear one reading from the old testament, one epistle, and one gospel. I also take Bible classes at times through my parish and diocese. Other than that I rarely open the Bible . This book has given me the confidence to read the Bible on my own. I now have some concrete tools to use when approaching this impactful book. I would recommend this to others.
January 6, 2022
I really love the way this written, because it’s in ‘plain English’ for those not part of this world but also don’t treat the audience as dumb/simple.
So great how aspects are broke down into myths but also showed we must need faith on some events and subjects. And I love that sometimes we just don’t know, it’s ok to not know.
Like what we know fills a thimble and what we don’t know fills a bucket!!
I learned a lot from this book and had other aspects of faith reaffirmed.
Can’t wait to see what comes do next!
So great how aspects are broke down into myths but also showed we must need faith on some events and subjects. And I love that sometimes we just don’t know, it’s ok to not know.
Like what we know fills a thimble and what we don’t know fills a bucket!!
I learned a lot from this book and had other aspects of faith reaffirmed.
Can’t wait to see what comes do next!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews