I got featured in Publisher's Weekly!

Plus how to preorder a signed copy of Better Ways To Read The Bible and get two freebies with your purchase

and

May 05, 2025

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, 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.

Book news!

Better Ways to Read the Bible was featured in Publisher’s Weekly! Here’s an excerpt:

"Intertwining teachings from a diverse slate of thinkers and theologians, including bell hooks and James Cone, with Lambert’s own experiences of deconstructing the rigid, Southern Baptist faith of his youth, this makes for a wide-ranging and cogent guide to seeing scripture in a new light. Disenchanted Christians will be energized."

Read the review in its entirety here.

Words from Zach about the book:

“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.”

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, Book People, and others!

Want a signed copy?

Order through Book People to have a signed copy shipped to you!

*Note from Book People: Unfortunately, at this time we aren't able to ship to EU countries.

Freebies:

Each preorder purchase will come with the audiobook version for FREE + an art print designed by our dear friend Rachel Giberson (find her here and here) with the following quote from Better Ways to Read the Bible:

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

Complete this form to access your preorder bonuses. We know you’ve heard this a million times, but preorders are critical, especially for first time authors. If you plan to order the book, please consider buying an early copy and qualifying for the bonuses listed above! (And get your copy signed!)

Alright, friends! Thanks so much for reading! As always, 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.