Reading the Bible Through Better Lenses with Zach W. Lambert

What does it mean to read the Bible faithfully without using it as a weapon?

Pastor and author Zach W. Lambert joins Faithful Politics to unpack his new book, Better Ways to Read the Bible. Together we explore his journey from fundamentalist Southern Baptist roots to a Jesus-centered approach that seeks love, justice, and flourishing. Zach explains why no one “just reads” the Bible without lenses, how harmful interpretations can inflict deep wounds, and why healthier approaches—rooted in Jesus, context, community, and the fruit of the Spirit—can bring healing. We also tackle questions of violence in Scripture, LGBTQ inclusion, divorce, inspiration, and what it means to move past certainty without losing faith. Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, or simply wrestling with Scripture, this episode offers practical wisdom and compassionate insight for navigating one of the most important books in history.

Buy the book Better Ways to Read the Bible

Guest Bio:

Zach W. Lambert is the lead pastor and founder of Restore Austin, a vibrant church community in Texas known for its inclusive vision and commitment to justice. He is the author of Better Ways to Read the Bible (Brazos Press), a book that offers a practical framework for reading Scripture with healthier, Christ-centered lenses. Zach holds a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing his doctorate at Duke Divinity School. He is also the co-founder of the Post-Evangelical Collective and serves on the boards of the Austin Church Planting Network and Multi-Faith Neighbors Network. When he’s not writing or pastoring, Zach enjoys Austin’s live music scene, exploring local Mexican food spots, and spending time with his wife and their two boys.

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