Better Ways to Read the Bible

I WROTE A BOOK! Pre-order info, Freebies + a Giveaway

Public Theology is based on the work of Zach W. Lambert, Pastor of Restore, an inclusive church in Austin, Texas. Zach’s first book, Better Ways to Read the Bible, will release on August 12, 2025 and is available to preorder today. All of the content available at Public Theology is for those who identify as Christian, as well as those who might be interested in learning about a more inclusive, kind, thoughtful Christianity. We’re glad you’re here.

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Background:

I’ve spent the last 15+ years walking alongside people with spiritual trauma. In almost every case, the primary weapon used against them was the Bible.

Instead of leading to healing and wholeness, which has always been God’s intention for humanity, Scripture has been used to shame and scold, judge and condemn, marginalize and oppress. Far too many folks have experienced the Bible as a toxic text that causes more harm than good.

Better Ways to Read the Bible is an attempt to take what I’ve learned from brilliant authors, activists, scholars, and theologians, as well as from the incredible people I get to minister alongside every day, and synthesize it into a helpful resource for reading the Bible in healthy ways.

I am absolutely convinced that bad bible interpretation leads to trauma, but I also believe that good bible interpretation can lead to healing and goodness. That is how Better Ways to Read the Bible was born.

What’s the Book About?

In Better Ways to Read the Bible, I dismantle four common lenses for reading Scripture that lead to harm—Literalism, Apocalypse, Moralism, and Hierarchy— and then explore four new lenses—Jesus, Context, Flourishing, and Fruitfulness—that promote healing, wholeness, and liberation for all people.

I take these better lenses and apply them to frequently weaponized biblical passages, concepts, and statements, like “I do not permit a woman to teach,” the creation story in Genesis, the notorious “clobber verses” used against LGBTQ+ people, the book of Revelation, eternal conscious torment in hell, and much more.

I started this journey because I came to believe that if our way of interpreting the Bible hurts people, then it must be reconsidered. The way of Jesus always leads to healing, not harm. Better ways to read the Bible exist, ways that lead to restoration and flourishing for all people. If you feel similarly and are ready to take a fresh look at the Scriptures, welcome to the journey. Let’s discover better ways of reading the Bible together.

Places to Buy:

PLEASE PREORDER TODAY! The book comes out August 12th, but preorders are so important, especially for a first-time author like me. Thank y’all so much 💙

Baker House (currently 40% off!), Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and others!

Freebies:

As a Public Theologian, you have access to some preorder bonuses! (Available to those in the U.S. and Canada, while supplies last.)

Each purchase will come with the option to read the first two chapters prior to the launch date in August. This benefit will come later in the spring, so hang on to your order information and stay tuned! We will also include an art print designed by our dear friend Rachel Giberson (find her here and here) with the following quote just for BWTRTB readers who purchase any number of books.

“Justice is divisive only to those benefitting from injustice.”

Zach W. Lambert

For anyone who buys three or more books, we’ve put together a fun freebie pack in commemoration of our 90s and early 00s bible study practices. Highlighters? Check. Sticky tabs? Check. A WWJD bracelet? Obviously.

For our friends who buy ten or more books, get everything shown above PLUS a one hour video call with Zach! With your book club, church small group, supper club, etc.

Claim your freebies:

1. Purchase Better Ways to Read the Bible from any retailer.

2. Complete this form.

Giveaway information:

Lastly, we want to give back to this community who has given so much to us. Want a freebie bundle and a FREE signed copy of Better Ways to Read the Bible upon its release in August? You’re in luck! You know we love a giveaway.

To enter, please like and share (re-stack or quote to notes) this post— that’s it!

Thanks for helping us spread the word. We’re so grateful for each and every one of you.

Zach & Amy