Feature: Emily P. Freeman & Better Ways to Read the Bible
Emily answers the question, "What's saving your spiritual life right now?"
Public Theology is based on the work of Zach W. Lambert, Pastor of Restore, an inclusive church in Austin, Texas. He and his wife, Amy Lambert, contribute to and moderate this account. Zach’s first book, Better Ways to Read the Bible, is now available wherever books are sold.
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. To receive new posts and support the work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
We’re glad you’re here.
The following is an excerpt from
’s “What’s Saving My Spiritual Life Right Now.” It is such an honor to be included in this list by an author I so greatly admire! I wanted to share it here and include some things that have inspired me lately:Our church has recently merged with a 152-year-old congregation in Austin. We are in the process of partnering together to repair and update the building to better serve the surrounding community.
The three matriarchs of our church— Afton, Alberta, and Billie— who have been a part of the congregation for almost 200 years combined. As a young church, this wisdom and leadership is invaluable.
Preaching at other Post Evangelical Collective churches like Church on Morgan (Raleigh, NC), Denver Community Church, Open Table (Detroit), and A Restoration Church (Chicago).
Getting calls from BookPeople asking me to come in and sign more copies of Better Ways to Read the Bible as people continue to buy personalized copies.
Coaching my youngest son’s soccer team alongside my wife and oldest son.
Planning our annual poker night with all of my childhood best friends. Each year, we gather together at my friend’s parents’ house for one night of basketball and poker. His parents have now become honorary grandparents to my kids, and it’s been such a gift to pass these people and their home onto my sons. No matter where life has taken us or where we fall on the spectrum of belief on any given issue, we all gather together every year to catch up and support each other.
Family doubles tennis matches.
Playing chess with my kids.
Planning more regular date nights in Austin with Amy. We recently went to Matties and thoroughly enjoyed the Southern sour cream and onion dip, shrimp and grits, and wood-grilled carrots. I highly recommend the Milk Punch as an after dinner drink, and Amy loved the Back Porch Tea.
On to Emily’s article. Enjoy!
What’s Saving My Spiritual Life Right Now
by Emily P. Freeman
October 2, 2025
“What is saving my life now is the conviction that there is no spiritual treasure to be found apart from the bodily experiences of human life on earth. My life depends on engaging the most ordinary physical activities with the most exquisite attention I can give them.
My life depends on ignoring all touted distinctions between the secular and the sacred, the physical and the spiritual, the body and the soul. What is saving my life now is becoming more fully human, trusting that there is no way to God apart from real life in the real world.”
―Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
There is no distinction between spiritual life and my actual life, as Barbara Brown Taylor herself reminds us. But later this month I’ll share my seasonal list of What’s Saving My Autumn Life on the podcast, including a list of all the things, but this week it feels timely narrow in on my inner life:
Better Ways to Read the Bible by Zach Lambert is proving to be the kindest of companions right now, reminding me of the beauty and mystery of Scripture as a sacred tool of healing and not a weapon of harm.
“Today is the day of being set free from everything that gets in the way of our flourishing and the flourishing of our neighbors. Today is the day to start leaving behind bad Bible interpretations and choosing to read Scripture in ways that lead to healing, wholeness, and fullness of life.”
—Zach Lambert
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a book I keep putting down and picking back up. I read slowly and savor the imagery of the Earth she writes about where we call home.
In the parking lot of the dermatologist this morning, a bird sat atop a lamppost and sang the sun right up. I moved closer to watch and listen, grateful for those few minutes of where it seemed she was singing songs over me with tiny shouts of joy.
Spending time with the Quakers continues to be a gift to me. They reflect friendship with God in simple, life-giving ways.
Next week I’ll travel to New Life Church in Queens to lead a workshop for their School of Formation. I’m teaching about one of my favorite topics, Contemplative Rhythms, and it’s doing wonders for my own soul.
I have a cheap accordion fan with an American flag printed on it and every morning I use it to fan my face so my product dries faster. As I fan, I whisper prayers for our country, our state, our city. I ask to have eyes to see what is mine to do and for the courage to do it faithfully.
Taking a walk alone without my phone will always feel like nothing at the time and then, upon reflection later, it will have been my favorite part of the day.
These are some things saving my spiritual life this week. I wonder what’s saving yours?
{You can find the rest of the article here.}
Please visit Emily’s article and let her know how much you appreciate her work. And comment below to let us know what’s saving your spiritual (or any part of your) life right now!
Happy Sunday and have a wonderful week!
Lastly, we are happy to cover subscription costs for anyone who needs it but can’t afford it at this time. If you would like to join the Public Theology community and gain access to our paid subscriber content (which we keep behind a paywall for the privacy and connection of our community) but cannot afford to do so, please message Amy Lambert directly.
I really enjoyed this. I'm looking forward to reading your book (which I've ordered). Our church is using it as inspiration for a series we've just started on “how to read the Bible,” and I think the concept of harmful and healing lenses is going to be very helpful!