Amanda Hope Haley on faith, scripture, and archaeology.

Have you ever questioned a belief that you've held for a long time?

In this episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Amanda Hope Haley—Harvard-trained archaeologist and author of Stones Still Speak—to talk about something that has the potential to challenge our faith: the way we understand scripture. Together, we explore the importance of context in interpreting the Bible and the often-overlooked role of biblical archaeology in revealing the world behind the words.

We dive into the tension between tradition and the text itself, wrestling with how historical context sheds light on biblical figures and events. Stories like David and Goliath aren't just ancient tales—they point to Christ as well as carry lessons for us today about preparation, leadership, and the everyday challenges of faith. Through our conversation, we recognize the need to approach scripture with compassion—not just for others, but for ourselves as we question, learn, and grow in our understanding.

Ultimately, we highlight the beauty of faith: the courage to sit with uncertainty and mystery. It’s okay to have questions, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. The journey of faith is just that—a journey. One where we don’t just cling to tradition, but we also allow space for exploration, reflection, and trust in a God who is bigger than our understanding.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Context is king when it comes to understanding scripture.
• Traditions and interpretations can sometimes cloud the true message of the Bible.
• Archaeology helps us uncover the history that shapes the biblical narrative.
• Mary Magdalene’s identity as a prostitute is a misinterpretation, not a biblical fact.
• David’s story is one of preparation—God’s work in us before we step into leadership.
• Spiritual highs, or "mountaintop" experiences, aren’t the end goal—it's the daily walk of faith that matters most.
• The Garden of Eden narrative calls us to rethink how we interpret our beginnings and our relationship with God.
• Faith means embracing the mystery, even when we don’t have all the answers.
• Biblical archaeology helps us understand the context, but it doesn’t “prove” the scriptures.
• We must question interpretations, but we must also hold scripture with reverence and care.
• This episode invites us to lean into the mystery of faith, trusting that the journey itself holds value—whether or not we can answer every question along the way.

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