Veterans of Culture Wars 128: Zach Lambert's Better Ways to Read the Bible
Nov 18, 2025
Zach Lambert, pastor of Restore Church and author of 'Better Ways to Read the Bible', shares his journey from Southern Baptist roots to advocating for inclusion and healing through scripture. He discusses the complexities of biblical interpretation, emphasizing the harmful effects of a literal approach and the importance of diverse lenses. Lambert challenges inerrancy claims, critiques exclusionary practices, and illustrates how to foster a flourishing church that embraces all people. Through engaging anecdotes, he redefines faith as a journey rather than a certainty.
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Roots Of Conflict And Faith
- Zach Lambert grew up in Southern Baptist megachurches and was expelled from a private school, a youth group, and later defrocked by a denomination.
- Those experiences shaped his love of Scripture and critique of harmful evangelical practices.
Evaluate Who’s Angry And Why
- Ask two questions when ostracized: who is mad and why are they mad.
- If critics oppose you for promoting love, inclusion, or justice, you can feel justified pushing forward.
Bible Is Diverse, Interpretation Is Inevitable
- The Bible is a messy collection of diverse books written across languages, cultures, and centuries.
- Every reader interprets it, so claiming a single, absolute reading is a dangerous illusion.
