Why I'm Still a Christian

Following Jesus when much of Christianity is devoid of Christ.

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. 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.

Zach’s first book, Better Ways to Read the Bible, will release on August 12, 2025 and is available to preorder today.

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It’s been a tough few years to be a Christian in America.

Not because we are being persecuted. Let me be clear: we are not being persecuted.

Persecution of Christians is very real, it’s just not happening with any significance in the United States. If anything, our government has openly embraced a version of Christianity that pairs them with many of the most powerful people for their mutual benefit. The Johnson Amendment was just overturned. The Department of Homeland Security is posting bible verses atop videos of ICE raids. And, sadly, this version of Christianity seems to have more power now than at any other point in our nation’s history.

But this is not the case around the world. I personally know pastors in India who have been beaten up repeatedly and run out of their home villages multiple times because of their faith. This is real persecution and it should move us to action on behalf of those experiencing it. This is why we support Christians in many of those countries through our partnerships with indigenous organizations doing incredible work on the ground.

I have a different assertion: it’s tough to be a Christian in America, not because of persecution, but because so many representations of Christianity in our country are completely devoid of Jesus Christ.

We all have witnessed the increasing wave of Christian Nationalism in our country in recent years (and even more intensely in recent months). We’ve seen people claim the name of Jesus as they commit crimes and harm the image of God in others.

If this is what it means to be a Christian, I don’t want to be one anymore.