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Better Ways to Read the Bible: Transforming a Weapon of Harm into a Tool of Healing
Zach Lambert has seen the Bible used countless times as something far from the "Good Book"--both in his own life and in the experiences of others. He has seen the Bible weaponized to subjugate women, justify racism, bash LGBTQ+ people, cover up abuse, and exclude people who speak out against these injustices.
In this book, Lambert calls readers to a more Christlike interpretation of Scripture. Lambert has created this accessible guide to help readers dismantle four common lenses for reading Scripture that lead to harm--Literalism, Apocalypse, Moralism, and Hierarchy. Instead, he offers four new lenses--Jesus, Context, Flourishing, and Fruitfulness--that promote healing and wholeness for all people. This book helps transform the Bible from a weapon that condemns, oppresses, and excludes into a tool that liberates.
Better Ways to Read the Bible welcomes all Christians to reengage Scripture in life-giving ways.
In this book, Lambert calls readers to a more Christlike interpretation of Scripture. Lambert has created this accessible guide to help readers dismantle four common lenses for reading Scripture that lead to harm--Literalism, Apocalypse, Moralism, and Hierarchy. Instead, he offers four new lenses--Jesus, Context, Flourishing, and Fruitfulness--that promote healing and wholeness for all people. This book helps transform the Bible from a weapon that condemns, oppresses, and excludes into a tool that liberates.
Better Ways to Read the Bible welcomes all Christians to reengage Scripture in life-giving ways.
Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2025
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June 28, 2025
Like many who will pick up Zach W. Lambert's "Better Ways to Read the Bible," I'm someone who has experienced the Bible used as a weapon.
And yet, I've always loved the Bible. I've always seen through and around the weaponizing and the lenses birthed more out of fear than love.
The "Good Book" is far too often used to justify our own biases, agendas, fears, and desires. The Bible has been used to keep women submissive, amplify racism, demonize those with disabilities, excuse and even empower abuse, and so much more.
A pastor for over 10 years, Lambert has crafted a gentle and wise resource that encourages a different way to read the Bible, a way that he believes is more consistent with centering our faith around Jesus and a way, ways really, to renew our relationship with Scripture and to see even the most troubling, misused scriptures through a different lens.
If you've been hurt by harmful interpretations or feel disconnected from Scripture, this book offers a path forward to reclaim the Bible's life-giving message. This accessible resource will help you
A surprisingly quick and accessible read, "Better Ways to Read the Bible" shatters to pieces for common lenses that have done great harm. In their place, Lambert offers four new lenses. In some ways, "Better Ways to Read the Bible" is surprisingly simple in its approach. At times, it almost feels like Lambert is playing a game of "Mr. Obvious" here as he invites us into a different relationship with scripture that not only promotes healing and wholeness but feels more relational than transactional.
Even in those few spots where it felt like Lambert's argument is a bit too simplified, Lambert's compassionate boldness in opening himself up to these discussions is refreshing, encouraging, and life-giving. If you are married to your Christian nationalist views, "Better Ways to Read the Bible" will challenge those exclusionary views and will open the door to a different relationship with the Bible and with our faith.
I was deeply moved by Lambert's frequent inclusion of disability here, a topic and a population far too often considered an afterthought by Christian leaders and writers, and I greatly appreciate the almost matter-of-fact way that Lambert challenges us to view the Bible differently and to be present with one another through our theological disagreements and different practices.
As someone who grew up in what amounts to being a cult (Jehovah's Witnesses) and who has been kicked out of two churches, one because I was gay (I'm not) and one because I attempted suicide (I did), I felt the healing of Lambert's words and Lambert's literary presence here. I practically wanted to book a trip to visit his church and bask in his community.
Don't worry. I didn't. Yet.
Ultimately, Lambert creates a literary world where the Bible is a tool of liberation and not harm, a book of love and not of hate.
If you've grown tired of a weaponized faith, this book is for you. If you love the Bible, but you don't love how it's used this book is for you. If you've longed to find the words to express a different way to read the Bible, then this book is most definitely for you.
It's okay to wonder. It's okay to question. It's okay to challenge. It's okay to doubt. As Lambert paints time and time again here, it's okay to fall back in love with the Bible and Lambert helps us find the path to doing so.
And yet, I've always loved the Bible. I've always seen through and around the weaponizing and the lenses birthed more out of fear than love.
The "Good Book" is far too often used to justify our own biases, agendas, fears, and desires. The Bible has been used to keep women submissive, amplify racism, demonize those with disabilities, excuse and even empower abuse, and so much more.
A pastor for over 10 years, Lambert has crafted a gentle and wise resource that encourages a different way to read the Bible, a way that he believes is more consistent with centering our faith around Jesus and a way, ways really, to renew our relationship with Scripture and to see even the most troubling, misused scriptures through a different lens.
If you've been hurt by harmful interpretations or feel disconnected from Scripture, this book offers a path forward to reclaim the Bible's life-giving message. This accessible resource will help you
A surprisingly quick and accessible read, "Better Ways to Read the Bible" shatters to pieces for common lenses that have done great harm. In their place, Lambert offers four new lenses. In some ways, "Better Ways to Read the Bible" is surprisingly simple in its approach. At times, it almost feels like Lambert is playing a game of "Mr. Obvious" here as he invites us into a different relationship with scripture that not only promotes healing and wholeness but feels more relational than transactional.
Even in those few spots where it felt like Lambert's argument is a bit too simplified, Lambert's compassionate boldness in opening himself up to these discussions is refreshing, encouraging, and life-giving. If you are married to your Christian nationalist views, "Better Ways to Read the Bible" will challenge those exclusionary views and will open the door to a different relationship with the Bible and with our faith.
I was deeply moved by Lambert's frequent inclusion of disability here, a topic and a population far too often considered an afterthought by Christian leaders and writers, and I greatly appreciate the almost matter-of-fact way that Lambert challenges us to view the Bible differently and to be present with one another through our theological disagreements and different practices.
As someone who grew up in what amounts to being a cult (Jehovah's Witnesses) and who has been kicked out of two churches, one because I was gay (I'm not) and one because I attempted suicide (I did), I felt the healing of Lambert's words and Lambert's literary presence here. I practically wanted to book a trip to visit his church and bask in his community.
Don't worry. I didn't. Yet.
Ultimately, Lambert creates a literary world where the Bible is a tool of liberation and not harm, a book of love and not of hate.
If you've grown tired of a weaponized faith, this book is for you. If you love the Bible, but you don't love how it's used this book is for you. If you've longed to find the words to express a different way to read the Bible, then this book is most definitely for you.
It's okay to wonder. It's okay to question. It's okay to challenge. It's okay to doubt. As Lambert paints time and time again here, it's okay to fall back in love with the Bible and Lambert helps us find the path to doing so.
August 19, 2025
This is a book that will either garner very high or very low ratings, all depending on the reader’s theology. Because regardless of your theology, Better Ways to Read the Bible is well-written, well-researched, and well-organized. Author Zach Lambert is a clear and concise communicator and the personal stories he tells of his own evolving relationship with the Bible, and the stories of his friends and church congregants who have been hurt by Scripture, are compelling. He cites diverse authors and theologians and includes pages of footnotes. The book is a pleasant read and very digestible for the average reader without a seminary degree.
The book is organized in three parts: Part 1 explains that we all have lenses through which we read the Bible, for “Pure exegesis is impossible. Every reading of the Scripture is an interpretation of the Scripture.” Part 2 are lenses that inflict harm: the literalism lens, the apocalypse lens, the moralism lens, and the hierarchy lens. Part 3 are lenses that promote healing: the Jesus lens, the context lens, the flourishing lens, and the fruitfulness lens. In each chapter, he pulls examples from the Bible of harmful lenses and then provides alternative examples of better ways to read those Scriptures. Examples include the Creation story, the End Times, divorce, the Samaritan woman caught in adultery, the hierarchy of men over women, hell and sin, and LGBTQ+ affirming theology.
I learned a lot from Lambert’s book and was impressed with the depth of his research, his heart for people, and the compelling stories he shares. The examples given were helpful to illustrate each harmful lens and alternative ways to interpret them. I don’t agree with all his theology and conclusions, and I imagine that will be a sore point for other readers who don’t find themselves on the far progressive side. As I read, I imagined the objections from more conservative readers who won’t agree on the definitions of sin, or flourishing, or love, so it is hard to arrive at the same conclusions that Lambert does. Still, I believe in reading widely and learning from those with whom I may have some differences. It would be a shame for readers to pass up on this book because of some theological misalignments. Even if you don’t land on the same conclusions as the author, there is still so much to learn and gain from Better Ways to Read the Bible.
I received a free review copy from NetGalley and Brazos Press.
The book is organized in three parts: Part 1 explains that we all have lenses through which we read the Bible, for “Pure exegesis is impossible. Every reading of the Scripture is an interpretation of the Scripture.” Part 2 are lenses that inflict harm: the literalism lens, the apocalypse lens, the moralism lens, and the hierarchy lens. Part 3 are lenses that promote healing: the Jesus lens, the context lens, the flourishing lens, and the fruitfulness lens. In each chapter, he pulls examples from the Bible of harmful lenses and then provides alternative examples of better ways to read those Scriptures. Examples include the Creation story, the End Times, divorce, the Samaritan woman caught in adultery, the hierarchy of men over women, hell and sin, and LGBTQ+ affirming theology.
I learned a lot from Lambert’s book and was impressed with the depth of his research, his heart for people, and the compelling stories he shares. The examples given were helpful to illustrate each harmful lens and alternative ways to interpret them. I don’t agree with all his theology and conclusions, and I imagine that will be a sore point for other readers who don’t find themselves on the far progressive side. As I read, I imagined the objections from more conservative readers who won’t agree on the definitions of sin, or flourishing, or love, so it is hard to arrive at the same conclusions that Lambert does. Still, I believe in reading widely and learning from those with whom I may have some differences. It would be a shame for readers to pass up on this book because of some theological misalignments. Even if you don’t land on the same conclusions as the author, there is still so much to learn and gain from Better Ways to Read the Bible.
I received a free review copy from NetGalley and Brazos Press.
August 6, 2025
I can’t think of a more necessary book. This book does a fabulous job of addressing four frequently used (and often weaponized) ways of trading the Bible while also unveiling four fantastic and healthy ways of reading it. If I would have read this when I was younger I know that I would have had a healthier relationship with the Bible. Right now it is reshaping some of how I look at it all now.
July 17, 2025
We don’t need more books telling us to read the Bible harder or quieter or with better manners. We need books that disarm the weaponized readings, dismantle the harmful lenses, and dare to imagine a future where Scripture actually helps us love more, not less.
Zach Lambert does just that.
In Better Ways to Read the Bible, Lambert walks straight into the wreckage religion has left behind for so many of us. And then gently, wisely, offers a way through. Not back to certainty, but forward to something better. His four interpretive lenses, that promote healing, are not just academic tools. They’re liberating. They help you breathe again. They help you stay in the story without losing your soul.
This is a book for the misfits, the doubters, the reformers. For the pastors who want to do better, the communities tired of exclusion, and the people who’ve sat too long under bad theology and wondered if love was still possible.
We need books like this: brave, accessible, and soaked in grace. Because faith shouldn’t be something we survive. It should be something that sets us free.
Zach Lambert does just that.
In Better Ways to Read the Bible, Lambert walks straight into the wreckage religion has left behind for so many of us. And then gently, wisely, offers a way through. Not back to certainty, but forward to something better. His four interpretive lenses, that promote healing, are not just academic tools. They’re liberating. They help you breathe again. They help you stay in the story without losing your soul.
This is a book for the misfits, the doubters, the reformers. For the pastors who want to do better, the communities tired of exclusion, and the people who’ve sat too long under bad theology and wondered if love was still possible.
We need books like this: brave, accessible, and soaked in grace. Because faith shouldn’t be something we survive. It should be something that sets us free.
November 26, 2025
Was asked to read this by someone who has completely deconstructed, so I did. I wrote this to be able to respond to them.
Applause for Lambert’s helpful perceptions: Scripture must be interpreted and taught in context, dispensationalism isn’t great, pointing out the Apostles boldness, and that God is in pursuit of all peoples!
However, that’s about it.
He locates points of pain in the church (which is crucial) but his responses to these issues are unfortunate. Some of what he says is just false, such as claiming inerrancy is a new theology (see the church fathers beliefs on the absolute truth of Scripture) on page 40, that the Biblical authors don’t always agree with each other (page 16), that God takes no pleasure in judgement (73), and other things. Obviously red flags. The other thing that is alarming, and ironic, is that while he (justly) critiques big Eva for taking scripture out of context sometimes, he does the same thing to prove his progressive beliefs. I’d advise him to at least take on a Barthian approach to universalism as this would be much more respectable than cherry picking verses from Roman’s, Corinthians and the gospels.
Point being, if he were to take up his belief of contextualizing Scripture-meeting Scripture on it’s own terms- he would be forced to come to different conclusions than he does. And straw manning hot topic conservative values only deceives the ignorant. I really do sympathize with his pains and the ones he’s seen, and they are valid. But most conservative Christian don’t just hate gay people and judge everyone. And most importantly, you shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water of Scripture and of a Biblical church- these are far too important to Christ for us to be guilty of this.
I understand why this book is comforting to those who have been hurt by the church. But here’s a tip: if you want to consult someone to comfort and relate with you about your own deconstruction of what you thought faith was, go read the Reformers.
Applause for Lambert’s helpful perceptions: Scripture must be interpreted and taught in context, dispensationalism isn’t great, pointing out the Apostles boldness, and that God is in pursuit of all peoples!
However, that’s about it.
He locates points of pain in the church (which is crucial) but his responses to these issues are unfortunate. Some of what he says is just false, such as claiming inerrancy is a new theology (see the church fathers beliefs on the absolute truth of Scripture) on page 40, that the Biblical authors don’t always agree with each other (page 16), that God takes no pleasure in judgement (73), and other things. Obviously red flags. The other thing that is alarming, and ironic, is that while he (justly) critiques big Eva for taking scripture out of context sometimes, he does the same thing to prove his progressive beliefs. I’d advise him to at least take on a Barthian approach to universalism as this would be much more respectable than cherry picking verses from Roman’s, Corinthians and the gospels.
Point being, if he were to take up his belief of contextualizing Scripture-meeting Scripture on it’s own terms- he would be forced to come to different conclusions than he does. And straw manning hot topic conservative values only deceives the ignorant. I really do sympathize with his pains and the ones he’s seen, and they are valid. But most conservative Christian don’t just hate gay people and judge everyone. And most importantly, you shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water of Scripture and of a Biblical church- these are far too important to Christ for us to be guilty of this.
I understand why this book is comforting to those who have been hurt by the church. But here’s a tip: if you want to consult someone to comfort and relate with you about your own deconstruction of what you thought faith was, go read the Reformers.
January 8, 2026
To start, Zach is my pastor, friend, boss and just someone I really respect, so this is less a review and more of a PSA. This book reflects the Christianity that I love and wish more people encountered. It shows that Jesus’ teachings are affirming, inclusive and loving. Even if you’re not religious, I think it offers hope and a perspective that points to what Christianity is actually meant to be.
March 26, 2026
Wow. I usually don’t finish books I rate as one star but felt I needed to get through this entire book. So, I did.
As someone who loves the Bible, I’ve been uninspired to be in it lately. So I thought, “Why not listen to a book that says it will encourage me to read it in a new light?” Should I have known by the title that this was written by a deconstructionist? Probably. I just didn’t pay that much attention to it. I kind of wish I had known but am kind of glad I didn’t. I think the subtitle for this book says a lot but it’s wrong. The Bible doesn’t cause harm. People interpreting, reading, and believing it wrongly does. This whole book is really an argument against that but, unfortunately, he’s swung the pendulum too far. He now believes his way of doing those things is the only right way to read the Bible and I wholeheartedly disagree with him.
Because I disagreed with 98% of this book. That made it tough. I aligned with Lambert on the other 2%. I had 68 bookmarks placed in this ten chapter book. I could never go back and list all the points where I agree/disagree. But I will point out a few highlights:
AGREE:
- His Youth Pastor should NEVER have kicked him out of youth group for asking too many questions. Is that hard? Sure. But curious kids deserve to have conversations. That was poor leadership.
- His friend should have been hurt when she was told people who look like her would be going to hell and “Revelation says so”. I don’t think she should have read books on Revelation to find out if that was true or not, though. I think she should have read Revelation itself (preferably with a woman from her church who could help her understand it). She left the church because books about Revelation agreed with racists. That’s not where we should go for authority.
- I agree it sounds like the church where he was an intern seems pretty terrible. I worked for SBC churches from 16 until I was 41 (25 years. Wow.) and just have to tell you, churches are hard. But if you’re at a church where the policies are unbiblical, you should either try to affect change or go somewhere else.
- I agree when someone comes to your church looking for assistance because they have physical needs, the sole answer isn’t to present the Gospel. Should that be part of it? Absolutely. You should try to help the person find a way to have their needs met. Then explain the reason you want that for them is the Gospel. Not present the Gospel and be dumbfounded when they don’t care. That’s some serious tone deafness.
Again … all of those issues were with people making bad decisions. None of them actually had to do with the Bible itself.
DISAGREE
I want to bullet point things. Maybe I still will but, having finished the book, my overall feeling from this author is that he thinks he has it all figured out. He’s the one who “gets it” (it being how to be the best Christian, I guess?) and everyone else is clueless. I’ll be honest, I’m probably him at some points. I’m sure I have those prideful moments too. But I wept as I heard him dismiss the need for salvation. There’s no Hell. Even if you die, not believing that Jesus is THE way, your soul will eventually come to that conclusion and you’ll get into Heaven then. Why? Because God is Love. I wept as he said if we truly want to sacrificial love others, we’ll let them live how they want to live (specifically LGBTQ+ community) because surely God wouldn’t want us to live contrary to our desires. (He also seemed to affirm heterosexual couples living together prior to marriage so he’s at least consistent in disregarding all sexual sin.) I wept as he said the Bible is “descriptive not prescriptive” when arguing for women leading in churches but didn’t say that when disregarding the story of Lot and his daughters. He understands Scripture but he’s done just what he’s teaching against. He’s using his own interpretation to feel more comfortable with what he wants to believe. He can’t get behind Jesus being offensive. Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s Law, not a radical against it (as he claims many times). He misrepresents Jesus’ grace and compassion as Jesus saying sin doesn’t matter. He dismisses people like me who believe the Bible is inerrant but also that Genesis 1-2 is not a Science lesson. It’s as though you’re an extreme bigot/racist/homophobic who couldn’t possibly love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly with God or you’re a member of his church/belief system.
For the record, I’m smart enough to know genocide isn’t Biblical (even though he says it is). I believe wholeheartedly that sin separates us from God and Jesus is the only way to bridge that gap. Agree Judgement houses are a terrible idea but still believe Hell is real. I’ve never read a “Left Behind” book or seen any of the movies but, personally, can’t wait for the day when I’m united with Jesus for eternity.
I have been in the Word more since starting this book. Not because I agree with much of anything that was said in it but because I’ve been reminded that knowing the Bible is important so that church leaders (and Christian authors) can’t push you off track simply because they state what they believe with authority or are able to get published.
As someone who loves the Bible, I’ve been uninspired to be in it lately. So I thought, “Why not listen to a book that says it will encourage me to read it in a new light?” Should I have known by the title that this was written by a deconstructionist? Probably. I just didn’t pay that much attention to it. I kind of wish I had known but am kind of glad I didn’t. I think the subtitle for this book says a lot but it’s wrong. The Bible doesn’t cause harm. People interpreting, reading, and believing it wrongly does. This whole book is really an argument against that but, unfortunately, he’s swung the pendulum too far. He now believes his way of doing those things is the only right way to read the Bible and I wholeheartedly disagree with him.
Because I disagreed with 98% of this book. That made it tough. I aligned with Lambert on the other 2%. I had 68 bookmarks placed in this ten chapter book. I could never go back and list all the points where I agree/disagree. But I will point out a few highlights:
AGREE:
- His Youth Pastor should NEVER have kicked him out of youth group for asking too many questions. Is that hard? Sure. But curious kids deserve to have conversations. That was poor leadership.
- His friend should have been hurt when she was told people who look like her would be going to hell and “Revelation says so”. I don’t think she should have read books on Revelation to find out if that was true or not, though. I think she should have read Revelation itself (preferably with a woman from her church who could help her understand it). She left the church because books about Revelation agreed with racists. That’s not where we should go for authority.
- I agree it sounds like the church where he was an intern seems pretty terrible. I worked for SBC churches from 16 until I was 41 (25 years. Wow.) and just have to tell you, churches are hard. But if you’re at a church where the policies are unbiblical, you should either try to affect change or go somewhere else.
- I agree when someone comes to your church looking for assistance because they have physical needs, the sole answer isn’t to present the Gospel. Should that be part of it? Absolutely. You should try to help the person find a way to have their needs met. Then explain the reason you want that for them is the Gospel. Not present the Gospel and be dumbfounded when they don’t care. That’s some serious tone deafness.
Again … all of those issues were with people making bad decisions. None of them actually had to do with the Bible itself.
DISAGREE
I want to bullet point things. Maybe I still will but, having finished the book, my overall feeling from this author is that he thinks he has it all figured out. He’s the one who “gets it” (it being how to be the best Christian, I guess?) and everyone else is clueless. I’ll be honest, I’m probably him at some points. I’m sure I have those prideful moments too. But I wept as I heard him dismiss the need for salvation. There’s no Hell. Even if you die, not believing that Jesus is THE way, your soul will eventually come to that conclusion and you’ll get into Heaven then. Why? Because God is Love. I wept as he said if we truly want to sacrificial love others, we’ll let them live how they want to live (specifically LGBTQ+ community) because surely God wouldn’t want us to live contrary to our desires. (He also seemed to affirm heterosexual couples living together prior to marriage so he’s at least consistent in disregarding all sexual sin.) I wept as he said the Bible is “descriptive not prescriptive” when arguing for women leading in churches but didn’t say that when disregarding the story of Lot and his daughters. He understands Scripture but he’s done just what he’s teaching against. He’s using his own interpretation to feel more comfortable with what he wants to believe. He can’t get behind Jesus being offensive. Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s Law, not a radical against it (as he claims many times). He misrepresents Jesus’ grace and compassion as Jesus saying sin doesn’t matter. He dismisses people like me who believe the Bible is inerrant but also that Genesis 1-2 is not a Science lesson. It’s as though you’re an extreme bigot/racist/homophobic who couldn’t possibly love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly with God or you’re a member of his church/belief system.
For the record, I’m smart enough to know genocide isn’t Biblical (even though he says it is). I believe wholeheartedly that sin separates us from God and Jesus is the only way to bridge that gap. Agree Judgement houses are a terrible idea but still believe Hell is real. I’ve never read a “Left Behind” book or seen any of the movies but, personally, can’t wait for the day when I’m united with Jesus for eternity.
I have been in the Word more since starting this book. Not because I agree with much of anything that was said in it but because I’ve been reminded that knowing the Bible is important so that church leaders (and Christian authors) can’t push you off track simply because they state what they believe with authority or are able to get published.
October 7, 2025
This is not a perfect book, but it is a vitally important one. In my opinion, if Christianity has a future actually in line with its creator, this book provides the only way forward.
Some important quotes:
“Are we seeking to enslave or liberate, burden or set free? If you are looking for Bible verses with which to support slavery, you will find them. If you are looking for verses with which to abolish slavery, you will find them. If you are looking for verses with which to oppress women, you will find them. If you are looking for verses with which to honor and celebrate women, you will find them. If you are looking for reasons to wage war, there are plenty. If you are looking for reasons to promote peace, there are plenty more.
If you are looking for an outdated and irrelevant ancient text, that’s exactly what you’ll see. If you are looking for truth, that is what you will find. If you want to do violence in this world, you will always find the weapons. If you want to heal, you will always find the balm.”
“If the version of Christianity we are proclaiming does not prioritize liberation for the marginalized, then it is not the Christianity of Jesus Christ.”
“There are many reasons, but I can tell you why I left and why so many of the people I know left: The churches they joined and the leaders they followed weaponized the Bible in ways that hurt them and the people they love. Millions of these defectors are not rejecting Jesus; they are rejecting the use of Jesus's name for the purpose of domination and oppression. They aren't rejecting the Bible; they are rejecting harmful ways of reading it.
I'm convinced that this rejection doesn't make them un-Christian. It makes them Christlike.“
Some important quotes:
“Are we seeking to enslave or liberate, burden or set free? If you are looking for Bible verses with which to support slavery, you will find them. If you are looking for verses with which to abolish slavery, you will find them. If you are looking for verses with which to oppress women, you will find them. If you are looking for verses with which to honor and celebrate women, you will find them. If you are looking for reasons to wage war, there are plenty. If you are looking for reasons to promote peace, there are plenty more.
If you are looking for an outdated and irrelevant ancient text, that’s exactly what you’ll see. If you are looking for truth, that is what you will find. If you want to do violence in this world, you will always find the weapons. If you want to heal, you will always find the balm.”
“If the version of Christianity we are proclaiming does not prioritize liberation for the marginalized, then it is not the Christianity of Jesus Christ.”
“There are many reasons, but I can tell you why I left and why so many of the people I know left: The churches they joined and the leaders they followed weaponized the Bible in ways that hurt them and the people they love. Millions of these defectors are not rejecting Jesus; they are rejecting the use of Jesus's name for the purpose of domination and oppression. They aren't rejecting the Bible; they are rejecting harmful ways of reading it.
I'm convinced that this rejection doesn't make them un-Christian. It makes them Christlike.“
July 17, 2025
I received an early copy of the book and read through it quickly. Zach has a deep knowledge and love of Scripture, even though he’s seen it used to cause harm.
With the vast knowledge of a scholar (Zach is pursuing a doctorate in ministry at Duke University) and the skill of an experienced communicator (Zach has been preaching for 15 years), he walks readers through the harmful lenses that too many have encountered when reading the Bible. He then introduces more helpful lenses that Christians have used to deepen their faith in life-giving ways.
This isn’t a radically new or unorthodox way of reading the Bible, it’s one with deep roots in Christian tradition. It’s truly a better, healing way to read the Bible.
I have benefited from being a member of Zach’s church and I know many will benefit from reading this book.
With the vast knowledge of a scholar (Zach is pursuing a doctorate in ministry at Duke University) and the skill of an experienced communicator (Zach has been preaching for 15 years), he walks readers through the harmful lenses that too many have encountered when reading the Bible. He then introduces more helpful lenses that Christians have used to deepen their faith in life-giving ways.
This isn’t a radically new or unorthodox way of reading the Bible, it’s one with deep roots in Christian tradition. It’s truly a better, healing way to read the Bible.
I have benefited from being a member of Zach’s church and I know many will benefit from reading this book.
July 25, 2025
im not even sure where to begin with this review because i just truly loved everything about this book.
better ways to read the bible is not telling you this is exactly how to read the bible in this one way. it is not saying this is what you should believe because x,y, z but rather offers a really digestible approach to understanding different classical theology stances and various alternatives to approach scripture (ie an alternative to moralism). though these different perspectives tends to be contradictory to popular southern evangelical interpretations, lambert encourages the reader not to be trapped in the politics of black and white theology but guides the reader to make their own conclusions about the loving and merciful nature of god. he tackles some really tough topics (hell, creation, women in ministry, divorce, LGBTQ+) with a lot of care and compassion but also with facts. i really appreciated how lambert consistently drew upon other biblical scholars, the primary text, or even just good old statistics themselves. this book is equally educational and impactful but most importantly leaves the reader with a profound sense of hope about who christ is and what that means for us as christians.
i wish i could share all 180 highlights i have because this book was just so good.
for the first time, it took the complexities of deconstruction, helped me understand it, and left me feeling hopeful. it was the first time I had seen all of my ugliest doubts and questions about god and the church on paper and been told that there are answers and im not going to hell for them. reading it was the first time in a really long time where, in the midst of this chaotic world, i felt seen and understood by God. it was the first time where I felt like i really understood some of the theology behind deconstruction and can use it as a tool to help love others better. highly recommend to anyone who has ever looked at the bible and been confused about the content or hurt by it. to anyone who wants to follow jesus and not the church. to anyone who just wants to read the bible better.
better ways to read the bible is not telling you this is exactly how to read the bible in this one way. it is not saying this is what you should believe because x,y, z but rather offers a really digestible approach to understanding different classical theology stances and various alternatives to approach scripture (ie an alternative to moralism). though these different perspectives tends to be contradictory to popular southern evangelical interpretations, lambert encourages the reader not to be trapped in the politics of black and white theology but guides the reader to make their own conclusions about the loving and merciful nature of god. he tackles some really tough topics (hell, creation, women in ministry, divorce, LGBTQ+) with a lot of care and compassion but also with facts. i really appreciated how lambert consistently drew upon other biblical scholars, the primary text, or even just good old statistics themselves. this book is equally educational and impactful but most importantly leaves the reader with a profound sense of hope about who christ is and what that means for us as christians.
i wish i could share all 180 highlights i have because this book was just so good.
for the first time, it took the complexities of deconstruction, helped me understand it, and left me feeling hopeful. it was the first time I had seen all of my ugliest doubts and questions about god and the church on paper and been told that there are answers and im not going to hell for them. reading it was the first time in a really long time where, in the midst of this chaotic world, i felt seen and understood by God. it was the first time where I felt like i really understood some of the theology behind deconstruction and can use it as a tool to help love others better. highly recommend to anyone who has ever looked at the bible and been confused about the content or hurt by it. to anyone who wants to follow jesus and not the church. to anyone who just wants to read the bible better.
September 27, 2025
this sums it up for now: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 20, 2025
I have read enough Christian non-fiction to last a lifetime. After YEARS of that, I learned I would have likely been better off if I had spent that time reading my Bible. So I am very reluctant to read Christian nonfiction at this point in my life.
That being said, this title really interested me greatly as I have read the Bible differently over the past 5-7 years. Reading the Bible and looking for what it says about God and not what it says about me, really impacted me personally. Additionally, I have seen (and unfortunately myself used) The Bible to hurt others instead of heal. I do think some people/churches who have used the Bible as a tool of harm, mean well, but it hurts nonetheless.
Zach has such compassion and kindness for those who have been hurt by those wielding the Bible. He takes courageous steps to leave systems where that was routinely taking place.
He addresses 2 different sets of lenses we can use when reading The Bible.
Lenses that inflict harm
- The literalism lens
- The apocalypse lens
- The moralism lens
- The hierarchy lens
And Lenses tha promote healing
- The Jesus lens
- The context lens
- The flourishing lens
- The fruitfulness lens
I think rather than hurtful/healing lens, I would argue we should read through a holistic lens- one that incorporates all lenses. Jesus LITERALLY rose from the dead, there are MORAL changes that mark a life of a believer, context does matter, etc.
While I agree with him that the Bible has been used to hurt some people, I think we do have different views of what the hurt looks like. While I think it’s harmful for pastors to shout and shame from the pulpit that sexual immorality is sinful in hate and disgust, I don’t disagree that the Bible says sexual immorality IS sinful.
So I think the methods people use the Bible is harmful, not actually what the Bible has to say. And it appears I differ from author on what the Bible has to say on a few topics.
I DO think we (modern westerners) need to be taught how to read the Bible through a different lens- I’ve learned so much from The Bible Project and The Bible Recap! But I think the idea of “this is a hard teaching, I must be reading it incorrectly” is not the correct lens. Jesus himself says his teaching can be hard and many turn away (John 6), but he doesn’t change his teaching in order to keep them from leaving.
I did share common concerns/beliefs with the author.
- He states “the Trinity was more like Father, Son, and Holy Bible. That is, the faith communities in which I was raised treated the Bible like it was divinely handed down to us mapped and wrapped in the same leather-bound form that Bible college grads receive with their names etched in gold across the front.” I remember realizing one day that my church worshiped the Bible and feeling pretty yucky about that.
- When critiquing a literal view of reading the Bible he says the following and I couldn’t agree more: “I honestly don’t care if you believe the earth is six thousand or six billion years old. I don’t care if you believe Adam and Eve were literal people or if you think of them as characters in a mythological story. What I’m concerned about is making matters on which faithful Christians disagree into a litmus test for true Christianity…. When we take off the literalism lens, we clearly see that the truths found in Genesis 1–3 are so much bigger and better than attempts to conform this passage into a science textbook. The story of Adam and Eve helps us understand and find hope in the truth that on humanity’s very worst day, God broke his own rules to forgive us. And even on our worst days, God still loves us and would do absolutely anything to demonstrate the depth of his love.”
- In the chapter on reading through an apocalyptic lease he discusses the trauma of “Hell Houses”. I too went to church camps with “Hell Houses” and it wasn’t until I was much older and realized how truly messed up they were. But once again, I believe Hell is a real place that’s really terrible. I ALSO believe the WAY churches have taught about Hell is really terrible. But I don’t believe the answer is “there is no hell”. I agree with the author that seemingly the purpose of revelation is to offer hope. But we do seem to depart on what the hope is in.
- “We must look at both the passages in question and the entire biblical narrative in context. The context lens is vitally important if we are looking for better ways to read the Bible.” AGREE!
I think the book is well written, and written with the greatest of compassion for those hurt. However, I would argue that the Bible isn’t hurting people, but rather people using it are, so I disagree with since conclusion of what is actually causing hurt and how to “fix” that.
I found this review summed up a lot of my thoughts as well.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
That being said, this title really interested me greatly as I have read the Bible differently over the past 5-7 years. Reading the Bible and looking for what it says about God and not what it says about me, really impacted me personally. Additionally, I have seen (and unfortunately myself used) The Bible to hurt others instead of heal. I do think some people/churches who have used the Bible as a tool of harm, mean well, but it hurts nonetheless.
Zach has such compassion and kindness for those who have been hurt by those wielding the Bible. He takes courageous steps to leave systems where that was routinely taking place.
He addresses 2 different sets of lenses we can use when reading The Bible.
Lenses that inflict harm
- The literalism lens
- The apocalypse lens
- The moralism lens
- The hierarchy lens
And Lenses tha promote healing
- The Jesus lens
- The context lens
- The flourishing lens
- The fruitfulness lens
I think rather than hurtful/healing lens, I would argue we should read through a holistic lens- one that incorporates all lenses. Jesus LITERALLY rose from the dead, there are MORAL changes that mark a life of a believer, context does matter, etc.
While I agree with him that the Bible has been used to hurt some people, I think we do have different views of what the hurt looks like. While I think it’s harmful for pastors to shout and shame from the pulpit that sexual immorality is sinful in hate and disgust, I don’t disagree that the Bible says sexual immorality IS sinful.
So I think the methods people use the Bible is harmful, not actually what the Bible has to say. And it appears I differ from author on what the Bible has to say on a few topics.
I DO think we (modern westerners) need to be taught how to read the Bible through a different lens- I’ve learned so much from The Bible Project and The Bible Recap! But I think the idea of “this is a hard teaching, I must be reading it incorrectly” is not the correct lens. Jesus himself says his teaching can be hard and many turn away (John 6), but he doesn’t change his teaching in order to keep them from leaving.
I did share common concerns/beliefs with the author.
- He states “the Trinity was more like Father, Son, and Holy Bible. That is, the faith communities in which I was raised treated the Bible like it was divinely handed down to us mapped and wrapped in the same leather-bound form that Bible college grads receive with their names etched in gold across the front.” I remember realizing one day that my church worshiped the Bible and feeling pretty yucky about that.
- When critiquing a literal view of reading the Bible he says the following and I couldn’t agree more: “I honestly don’t care if you believe the earth is six thousand or six billion years old. I don’t care if you believe Adam and Eve were literal people or if you think of them as characters in a mythological story. What I’m concerned about is making matters on which faithful Christians disagree into a litmus test for true Christianity…. When we take off the literalism lens, we clearly see that the truths found in Genesis 1–3 are so much bigger and better than attempts to conform this passage into a science textbook. The story of Adam and Eve helps us understand and find hope in the truth that on humanity’s very worst day, God broke his own rules to forgive us. And even on our worst days, God still loves us and would do absolutely anything to demonstrate the depth of his love.”
- In the chapter on reading through an apocalyptic lease he discusses the trauma of “Hell Houses”. I too went to church camps with “Hell Houses” and it wasn’t until I was much older and realized how truly messed up they were. But once again, I believe Hell is a real place that’s really terrible. I ALSO believe the WAY churches have taught about Hell is really terrible. But I don’t believe the answer is “there is no hell”. I agree with the author that seemingly the purpose of revelation is to offer hope. But we do seem to depart on what the hope is in.
- “We must look at both the passages in question and the entire biblical narrative in context. The context lens is vitally important if we are looking for better ways to read the Bible.” AGREE!
I think the book is well written, and written with the greatest of compassion for those hurt. However, I would argue that the Bible isn’t hurting people, but rather people using it are, so I disagree with since conclusion of what is actually causing hurt and how to “fix” that.
I found this review summed up a lot of my thoughts as well.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 6, 2025
As someone who was raised in church, the very essence of who I was as a person had been shaped by the Bible - in some good ways and some not so good ways. Over the last several years my faith has been evolving and growing and it reached a point that it no longer fit neatly in the boxes it always had. The questions had no answers. The questions created even more questions. The Bible became sort of a scary thing because so many of the interpretations I’d been taught felt wrong, but even saying that out loud would have been a red letter I was terrified to wear. When others, including spiritual mentors, started using it in ways that were incredibly damaging to me, I felt like I didn’t have anywhere to turn. I existed solely in a space that idolized certain interpretations of the written words, and it became a kind of killing field. I began to turn so far inward so as to shield myself from all of it, and it has been challenging to read what should have been the ultimate love letter. Engaging with the Bible has been complicated to say the least. This book has been like the most gentle healing balm to deep wounds of my soul. It has made me fall in love with the Bible again, and has offered freedom I hope that others will also find in its pages. I know I’m not the only one who has walked this road of enduring spiritual abuse and church trauma and what I like to call ‘spiritual renovation,’ but I’m here to tell you that this is just the guidebook I was looking for. What an amazingly bright light in a landscape of darkness and turmoil Pastor Zach and Restore have been for me, and reading this book is like sitting down for a coffee chat with a good friend that heals you in a way not much else can. Buy a copy for yourself, and buy several extras for the people God will inevitably bring to your mind while you’re reading that also need its truths. As my friend Denise always says - may this book be a pebble that sends ripples of healing and restoration into not just our own faith but into our churches, families, our country, and our world. There truly are ‘better ways to read the Bible,’ and you’ll find the starting point in the journey to being able to do that right in this book!
August 6, 2025
Zach’s heart for God’s people shines through every word. “Better Ways to Read the Bible” has the power to heal and transform. It should be in everyone’s library!
July 14, 2025
Thoughtful, Beautiful, and Deeply Helpful
I came to Better Ways to Read the Bible expecting a fair and thoughtful walk through the so-called “battleground passages”—the verses that often divide conservative and progressive readers. The book absolutely delivers on that front. But what surprised me was how much more it offered: this is a beautiful, pastoral, and genuinely transformative guide to engaging Scripture.
Zach Lambert doesn’t just interpret difficult texts—he reframes the entire posture of how we read the Bible. His “lenses” are worth the price of the book alone: intellectually rigorous, scripturally grounded, and profoundly helpful. I’ve read plenty of books that are thoughtful but dense, or clear but shallow. This book is both accessible and deep. Lambert is known for being wise without being confusing, and this book is that and more.
Highly recommend—whether you’re wrestling with the Bible or just want to read it better.
I came to Better Ways to Read the Bible expecting a fair and thoughtful walk through the so-called “battleground passages”—the verses that often divide conservative and progressive readers. The book absolutely delivers on that front. But what surprised me was how much more it offered: this is a beautiful, pastoral, and genuinely transformative guide to engaging Scripture.
Zach Lambert doesn’t just interpret difficult texts—he reframes the entire posture of how we read the Bible. His “lenses” are worth the price of the book alone: intellectually rigorous, scripturally grounded, and profoundly helpful. I’ve read plenty of books that are thoughtful but dense, or clear but shallow. This book is both accessible and deep. Lambert is known for being wise without being confusing, and this book is that and more.
Highly recommend—whether you’re wrestling with the Bible or just want to read it better.
February 4, 2026
I really do appreciate a lot of what Zack talked about in this book, and I resonate with a lot of it. I’ve gone through my own season of deconstruction/reconstruction over the last five years, and asked a whole lot of hard questions. I’m not afraid of hard questions, or reading alternative interpretations of something…and I’m not afraid to change my perspective on some of the biblical topics he discussed here. In fact, some of the chapters I loved the most were because he was reiterating things I’ve learned and changed my perspective on over these last few years of study. With that said, I couldn’t help but feel that rather than helping readers find the truth in the tension, sometimes his interpretations were ALSO too black and white… forcing readers into a false dichotomy of either fully “pro this”, or fully “anti-that”. Often I found myself landing somewhere in the middle of these opposing perspectives he was offering. Or, just wanting to say, “can’t we just admit that we really don’t know?” Definitely one I read with my Bible open… like all books, read it with discernment and grace.
February 14, 2025
Can’t wait to read!!!!!!!
August 10, 2025
This book was such a breath of fresh air to read. Zach strikes a really nice balance between thoughtfulness and thoroughness, but not at the detriment of easiness to read. There are many quotes incorporated from other authors, and citations from outside sources that were included in reference to his own arguments. All in all, this book feels thought provoking yet easy to read and digest.
Something that stood out to me while reading is the structure of the book and how it's organized. I ended up really enjoying how the book was arranged into its various parts and chapters. I also really liked the pace of the book. No chapter was too long and each chapter had a clearly defined purpose. The book is overall separated into 3 parts: 1) We All Have Lenses, 2) Lenses That Inflict Harm, and 3) Lenses That Promote Healing.
The first part explores the fact that we all have lenses through which we operate in the world, and this is especially true when we interact with religious texts like the Bible. Due to there being different interpretations or approaches to reading the religious text, Zach sets the stage for the arguments to be made in the parts that follow.
In Part 2, Zach carefully and honestly explores the various lenses and interpretations of the Bible that end up causing injury. Those lenses are: Literalism, Apocalypse, Moralism, and Hierarchy. If you grew up similarly to me, or in a tradition that teaches one or many of these lenses, you might struggle throughout reading this part of the book. If this is you, I urge you to take your time and at the very least consider the arguments Zach presents in this section as equally justified.
Finally, Part 3 counters the lenses that cause injury presented in the previous part, and explores the lenses that promote flourishing and healing. Those lenses are: Jesus, Context, Flourishing, and Fruitfulness. This part aims to give readers a new set of lenses to help guide them towards a new understanding and into flourishing and healing.
I don't want to spoil all of the good content, but I did want to offer a few quotes that stuck out to me towards the beginning of the book:
"The churches they joined and the leaders they followed weaponized the Bible in ways that hurt them and the people they loved. Millions of these defectors are not rejecting Jesus; they are rejecting the use of Jesus' name for the purpose of domination and oppression. They aren't rejecting the Bible; they are rejecting harmful ways of reading it."
"Could I have been reading it wrong? Could the pastors and teachers I had been trained under have been reading it wrong too? What if the problem wasn't the Bible but the way I'd been taught to read it? As I began to consider these questions, something started to shift. Like ice thawing in the spring, it happened slowly at first, but I began to realize that even though I believed the Bible was inspired by God, the interpretations I'd been given were not."
"...thirty-nine of my forty seminary classes were taught by White men. Regardless of our racial or cultural heritage, we all have biases– lenses through which we interpret the Bible. That's not the problem. The problem is pretending that one group of people doesn't bring any biases to their Scripture reading while everyone else does...The perspective of a straight, White, able-bodied man is assumed to be normative; everything else needs a disclaimer."
"We are all interpreting. We make interpretive decisions without even realizing it, based on a combination of who we are, what we've been taught, where we grew up, and how we see the world."
I recommend this book to anyone who takes the Bible seriously and wants a different set of lenses to read the Bible from the ones they were given.
Review also posted on my website:
marshallhahn.com/blog/better-ways-to-...
Something that stood out to me while reading is the structure of the book and how it's organized. I ended up really enjoying how the book was arranged into its various parts and chapters. I also really liked the pace of the book. No chapter was too long and each chapter had a clearly defined purpose. The book is overall separated into 3 parts: 1) We All Have Lenses, 2) Lenses That Inflict Harm, and 3) Lenses That Promote Healing.
The first part explores the fact that we all have lenses through which we operate in the world, and this is especially true when we interact with religious texts like the Bible. Due to there being different interpretations or approaches to reading the religious text, Zach sets the stage for the arguments to be made in the parts that follow.
In Part 2, Zach carefully and honestly explores the various lenses and interpretations of the Bible that end up causing injury. Those lenses are: Literalism, Apocalypse, Moralism, and Hierarchy. If you grew up similarly to me, or in a tradition that teaches one or many of these lenses, you might struggle throughout reading this part of the book. If this is you, I urge you to take your time and at the very least consider the arguments Zach presents in this section as equally justified.
Finally, Part 3 counters the lenses that cause injury presented in the previous part, and explores the lenses that promote flourishing and healing. Those lenses are: Jesus, Context, Flourishing, and Fruitfulness. This part aims to give readers a new set of lenses to help guide them towards a new understanding and into flourishing and healing.
I don't want to spoil all of the good content, but I did want to offer a few quotes that stuck out to me towards the beginning of the book:
"The churches they joined and the leaders they followed weaponized the Bible in ways that hurt them and the people they loved. Millions of these defectors are not rejecting Jesus; they are rejecting the use of Jesus' name for the purpose of domination and oppression. They aren't rejecting the Bible; they are rejecting harmful ways of reading it."
"Could I have been reading it wrong? Could the pastors and teachers I had been trained under have been reading it wrong too? What if the problem wasn't the Bible but the way I'd been taught to read it? As I began to consider these questions, something started to shift. Like ice thawing in the spring, it happened slowly at first, but I began to realize that even though I believed the Bible was inspired by God, the interpretations I'd been given were not."
"...thirty-nine of my forty seminary classes were taught by White men. Regardless of our racial or cultural heritage, we all have biases– lenses through which we interpret the Bible. That's not the problem. The problem is pretending that one group of people doesn't bring any biases to their Scripture reading while everyone else does...The perspective of a straight, White, able-bodied man is assumed to be normative; everything else needs a disclaimer."
"We are all interpreting. We make interpretive decisions without even realizing it, based on a combination of who we are, what we've been taught, where we grew up, and how we see the world."
I recommend this book to anyone who takes the Bible seriously and wants a different set of lenses to read the Bible from the ones they were given.
Review also posted on my website:
marshallhahn.com/blog/better-ways-to-...
December 30, 2025
Excellent read. I have read a vast number of books in the deconstructing Christianity space. I took a break because I had landed in a good spot and a lot of the books were along similar lines.
After a two year break from theology books, I decided to read this one because the author came to speak at my church. I really loved the way this one was organized and it would’ve been a very helpful book earlier in my deconstructing journey.
Looking at different lenses as ways we interpret and filter the Bible was extremely helpful. I related to many of the harmful ones as ways I learned growing up. Currently, I have adopted many of the more helpful ones.
Highly recommend this book to anyone reconsidering some different aspects of the Christian faith that they have been given.
After a two year break from theology books, I decided to read this one because the author came to speak at my church. I really loved the way this one was organized and it would’ve been a very helpful book earlier in my deconstructing journey.
Looking at different lenses as ways we interpret and filter the Bible was extremely helpful. I related to many of the harmful ones as ways I learned growing up. Currently, I have adopted many of the more helpful ones.
Highly recommend this book to anyone reconsidering some different aspects of the Christian faith that they have been given.
Read
September 16, 2025Buch kommt aus dem postevangelikalen Lager. Ich merke, wie ich mich langsam nicht mehr in diesen evangelikalen und postevangelikalen Gefilden wiederfinde. Weder beim „Verteidigen“ vermeintlich orthodoxer Themen, noch beim Auseinandernehmen dieser Aspekte sowie dem Aufbau neuer Perspektiven. Deshalb lasse ich von einer Sternebewertung mal ab.
Der Autor arbeitet sich an seiner Southern Baptist Prägung ab (kommt aus Texas), was ich durchaus gut nachvollziehen kann. Sehr viele Perspektiven fand ich sehr spannend, auch wenn ich einige Kapitel etwas überspitzt und selbst heruntergebrochen empfand. Das Neue an dem Buch ist die Anordnung der Linsen, durch die man die Bibel lesen kann. Der Inhalt selbst kann bei vielen postevangelikalen Stimmen schon vorher gefunden werden.
Am meisten hatte ich mich auf die „Flourishing“ und „Fruitfulness Lenses“ gefreut. Unabhängig von ihm habe ich eine ähnliche Hermeneutik entwickelt, die ich allerdings gegenwärtig noch zu wenig theologisch begründen kann. Ich hatte gehofft, hier hilfreiche Perspektiven zu finden. Leider kam vom biblischen Unterbau hier wenig. Stattdessen konzentriert er sich vornehmlich auf Praxisbeispiele aus der queeren Community. Insgesamt spannende Prämisse, aber mit zu wenig Erklärung dieser. Die Praxisbeispiele kann ich wenig einordnen, weil ich den amerikanischen Kontext in Texas zu wenig kenne, auch wenn ich weiß, dass es dort streng biblizistisch zugeht. Sein Schwung ins andere Extrem macht das Buch recht dualistisch im Denken.
Der Autor arbeitet sich an seiner Southern Baptist Prägung ab (kommt aus Texas), was ich durchaus gut nachvollziehen kann. Sehr viele Perspektiven fand ich sehr spannend, auch wenn ich einige Kapitel etwas überspitzt und selbst heruntergebrochen empfand. Das Neue an dem Buch ist die Anordnung der Linsen, durch die man die Bibel lesen kann. Der Inhalt selbst kann bei vielen postevangelikalen Stimmen schon vorher gefunden werden.
Am meisten hatte ich mich auf die „Flourishing“ und „Fruitfulness Lenses“ gefreut. Unabhängig von ihm habe ich eine ähnliche Hermeneutik entwickelt, die ich allerdings gegenwärtig noch zu wenig theologisch begründen kann. Ich hatte gehofft, hier hilfreiche Perspektiven zu finden. Leider kam vom biblischen Unterbau hier wenig. Stattdessen konzentriert er sich vornehmlich auf Praxisbeispiele aus der queeren Community. Insgesamt spannende Prämisse, aber mit zu wenig Erklärung dieser. Die Praxisbeispiele kann ich wenig einordnen, weil ich den amerikanischen Kontext in Texas zu wenig kenne, auch wenn ich weiß, dass es dort streng biblizistisch zugeht. Sein Schwung ins andere Extrem macht das Buch recht dualistisch im Denken.
August 8, 2025
Regardless of your experience with scripture, Zach W. Lambert's "Better Ways to Read the Bible," will give you something to think about. Zach’s reflective prose offers readers the opportunity to consider their own biases and contemplate which lenses through which they interpret the Bible. His skillful blend of scholarly language and heartfelt storytelling makes for an engaging and enjoyable read.
If you have ever felt like an outsider within the Church but still sought a connection with Jesus, this book is for you. Likewise, if you have ever, “put the Bible back on the shelf” it may inspire you to take it back down for a fresh look.
If you have ever felt like an outsider within the Church but still sought a connection with Jesus, this book is for you. Likewise, if you have ever, “put the Bible back on the shelf” it may inspire you to take it back down for a fresh look.
January 25, 2026
This is a five star book for me. Zach is actually our pastor, and my wife and I have met him personally when he had coffee with us years ago. We have been members of his church for several years now, and I genuinely believe his heart is in the right place.
I wrestle with some of what Zach shares in it because of how I grew up and what I was taught. I’m working on that because I only seek the truth and nothing but. What I appreciate most about this book is the intention behind it. Zach is trying to help people who have been hurt by the church find their way back, whether that hurt came from politics, misuse of scripture, or leaders who have turned the pulpit into a platform for their own political agendas. That kind of behavior feels completely wrong and destructive to me, and Zach does not do that. While he does not shy away from his own beliefs, especially as they relate to the Bible, he approaches them with humility rather than force.
There has been real damage done to the Bible and to the name of Jesus because of politics, particularly over the last decade. This book speaks directly into that tension. Even where I do not 100% know if I agree with every conclusion, I respect the honesty, courage, and care behind the message.
This is a great book for anyone struggling within Christianity or standing outside of it altogether. It is provocative, thoughtful, and invites reflection rather than blind agreement. If you are willing to wrestle, to think, and to ask God for guidance, I believe this book can be part of that process. That is my prayer for myself and for anyone who reads it.
I wrestle with some of what Zach shares in it because of how I grew up and what I was taught. I’m working on that because I only seek the truth and nothing but. What I appreciate most about this book is the intention behind it. Zach is trying to help people who have been hurt by the church find their way back, whether that hurt came from politics, misuse of scripture, or leaders who have turned the pulpit into a platform for their own political agendas. That kind of behavior feels completely wrong and destructive to me, and Zach does not do that. While he does not shy away from his own beliefs, especially as they relate to the Bible, he approaches them with humility rather than force.
There has been real damage done to the Bible and to the name of Jesus because of politics, particularly over the last decade. This book speaks directly into that tension. Even where I do not 100% know if I agree with every conclusion, I respect the honesty, courage, and care behind the message.
This is a great book for anyone struggling within Christianity or standing outside of it altogether. It is provocative, thoughtful, and invites reflection rather than blind agreement. If you are willing to wrestle, to think, and to ask God for guidance, I believe this book can be part of that process. That is my prayer for myself and for anyone who reads it.
September 22, 2025
My favorites from the book:
"Christians spend so much time arguing about what is 'biblical' and what is 'unbiblical' when we really should be distinguishing what is Christlike and what is un-Christlike. Writer Jordan Harrell says it like this: 'Genocide is biblical. Loving your enemy is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Slavery is biblical. Chainbreaking is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Patriarchy is biblical. Counter-cultural elevation of women is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Retributive violence is biblical. Grace filled restoration is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Segregation is biblical. Unity is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Christ transforms, not the Bible'" (122).
"When multiple interpretive options exist-and they almost always do-we must choose the interpretation that most closely aligns with the person, work, and teachings of Jesus Christ, which looks like sacrificial love for all people. As Paul says, 'The greatest of these is love.' Anything else is un-Christian" (129).
"Justice is divisive only to those benefiting from injustice. Or to put it more bluntly, the only people standing against liberation are those who benefit from oppression."
"If the gospel does not include liberation for all people, then it is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. If the gospel does not bring good news to both the spiritually and the socially broken, then it is not the good news that Jesus preached."
"...if our biblical interpretation isn't producing more love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in us and through us, then our interpretation is not being led by the Spirit of Jesus. Let me be clear: If the way we read the Bible produces poisonous fruit rather than the fruit of the Spirit, we are reading it wrong."
"The only clear line I draw these days is this: when my religion tries to come between me and my neighbor, I will choose my neighbor...Jesus never commanded me to love my religion."
"Christians spend so much time arguing about what is 'biblical' and what is 'unbiblical' when we really should be distinguishing what is Christlike and what is un-Christlike. Writer Jordan Harrell says it like this: 'Genocide is biblical. Loving your enemy is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Slavery is biblical. Chainbreaking is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Patriarchy is biblical. Counter-cultural elevation of women is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Retributive violence is biblical. Grace filled restoration is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Segregation is biblical. Unity is biblical. But only one is Christlike. Christ transforms, not the Bible'" (122).
"When multiple interpretive options exist-and they almost always do-we must choose the interpretation that most closely aligns with the person, work, and teachings of Jesus Christ, which looks like sacrificial love for all people. As Paul says, 'The greatest of these is love.' Anything else is un-Christian" (129).
"Justice is divisive only to those benefiting from injustice. Or to put it more bluntly, the only people standing against liberation are those who benefit from oppression."
"If the gospel does not include liberation for all people, then it is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. If the gospel does not bring good news to both the spiritually and the socially broken, then it is not the good news that Jesus preached."
"...if our biblical interpretation isn't producing more love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in us and through us, then our interpretation is not being led by the Spirit of Jesus. Let me be clear: If the way we read the Bible produces poisonous fruit rather than the fruit of the Spirit, we are reading it wrong."
"The only clear line I draw these days is this: when my religion tries to come between me and my neighbor, I will choose my neighbor...Jesus never commanded me to love my religion."
November 17, 2025
I flew through this book for the most part and then took a few days to read the last chapter and conclusion. Many of my friends will likely agree with Lambert in principle but not in application particularly in the last chapter.
My honest comment is he has given me a lot to reflect on and pray about. I agree wholeheartedly that a tree is known by its fruit and no one can seriously doubt his pastoral heart and the Holy Spirit’s work in and through him and his church.
I also am so deeply appreciative that his book takes the Bible very seriously. As he points out, many people seem to be content to accept the harmful interpretations of the Bible as accurate and throw the whole thing away. Anyone undergoing deconstruction especially due to harmful applications of the Bible would benefit from reading and seeing there are other ways of interpreting and applying.
PS: while I found this book very beneficial I also had to keep pausing to add books he referenced to my wishlist. So many exciting ideas and works I’ll definitely be digging into! If I could put forward one structural suggestion it would be that there is a “for further reading” or “recommended resources” page toward the back so all of them are in one spot as the book uses footnotes rather than endnotes I’ll need to comb back through the text to catch any I missed.
This book got me more excited about reading and studying the Bible than I have been in a while. And I already love reading and studying the Bible. I hope this will spark and reignite many others’ love for the Bible and most importantly for Christ to Whom it testifies.
My honest comment is he has given me a lot to reflect on and pray about. I agree wholeheartedly that a tree is known by its fruit and no one can seriously doubt his pastoral heart and the Holy Spirit’s work in and through him and his church.
I also am so deeply appreciative that his book takes the Bible very seriously. As he points out, many people seem to be content to accept the harmful interpretations of the Bible as accurate and throw the whole thing away. Anyone undergoing deconstruction especially due to harmful applications of the Bible would benefit from reading and seeing there are other ways of interpreting and applying.
PS: while I found this book very beneficial I also had to keep pausing to add books he referenced to my wishlist. So many exciting ideas and works I’ll definitely be digging into! If I could put forward one structural suggestion it would be that there is a “for further reading” or “recommended resources” page toward the back so all of them are in one spot as the book uses footnotes rather than endnotes I’ll need to comb back through the text to catch any I missed.
This book got me more excited about reading and studying the Bible than I have been in a while. And I already love reading and studying the Bible. I hope this will spark and reignite many others’ love for the Bible and most importantly for Christ to Whom it testifies.
Read
March 17, 2026No matter your theological stance on specific issues, this book cracks open the door to the fact that EVERYONE reads the Bible through a purposeful (or not) lens. Historically, commonly used lenses have been used to manipulate the Bible for a desired outcome by people who look and live very similar to most of us (White, middle/upper class, free Americans). Personally, knowing this created a pause and desire to know more. Overarchingly, this book flushes out what reading the Bible through the lens of Jesus could possibly look like. I think it's an idea that is worth chewing on, no matter the outcome.
The Bible tells the greatest story of all time, Jesus & his love for the world.
It has also been weaponized against:
- Women and their ministry
- Divorce
- Ethnic and sexual minorities
- Individuals with disabilities
- The poor
(etc.)
and in support of:
- Forced giving to the church
- Stealing from the poor
- Staying in a physically or mentally abusive relationship
- Misogyny
- Slavery
- War
(etc.)
Isn't that kind of crazy and sad? At first glance this weaponization just doesn't seem to add up with the life of the Bible's main character, Jesus. There's always nuance, but hey just a thought. The Bible is important, and how we read it is even more important for the practicality of our faith. Can we all just agree to think about our lens and the effects of it? Okay that’s all!
The Bible tells the greatest story of all time, Jesus & his love for the world.
It has also been weaponized against:
- Women and their ministry
- Divorce
- Ethnic and sexual minorities
- Individuals with disabilities
- The poor
(etc.)
and in support of:
- Forced giving to the church
- Stealing from the poor
- Staying in a physically or mentally abusive relationship
- Misogyny
- Slavery
- War
(etc.)
Isn't that kind of crazy and sad? At first glance this weaponization just doesn't seem to add up with the life of the Bible's main character, Jesus. There's always nuance, but hey just a thought. The Bible is important, and how we read it is even more important for the practicality of our faith. Can we all just agree to think about our lens and the effects of it? Okay that’s all!
March 28, 2026
Hmmmm I don't think I'm the intended audience for this book.
I thought the frameworks were very interesting ideas, and I can really see that Lambert has a heart to love all people, especially the marginalized and the oppressed. On the other hand, I guess I was hoping for a more academic study? into reading the Bible. A lot of the examples for the "bad" ways of reading the Bible were frankly low-hanging fruit, like THE most obvious ways of misinterpreting the Bible. For the points where his theology doesn't agree with mine/the way I was taught growing up, I want to see more scholarly? reason for his reading being a faithful interpretation of the text, because he definitely seems like he is coming in with his own beliefs and choosing to interpret the Bible accordingly. Which like, I get is kind of the point of the book, that we should choose healing interpretations and that the mainstream/often scholarly ones have been harmful, and he fully recognizes that nobody can be unbiased in interpreting Scripture, including himself -- but idk, I kind of wanted more.
Obviously, though, people have been hurt by the Bible being turned into a weapon of harm, and many many people have been taught the "obvious" (to me) misinterpretations as fact -- and I hope that this book can help set someone free.
I thought the frameworks were very interesting ideas, and I can really see that Lambert has a heart to love all people, especially the marginalized and the oppressed. On the other hand, I guess I was hoping for a more academic study? into reading the Bible. A lot of the examples for the "bad" ways of reading the Bible were frankly low-hanging fruit, like THE most obvious ways of misinterpreting the Bible. For the points where his theology doesn't agree with mine/the way I was taught growing up, I want to see more scholarly? reason for his reading being a faithful interpretation of the text, because he definitely seems like he is coming in with his own beliefs and choosing to interpret the Bible accordingly. Which like, I get is kind of the point of the book, that we should choose healing interpretations and that the mainstream/often scholarly ones have been harmful, and he fully recognizes that nobody can be unbiased in interpreting Scripture, including himself -- but idk, I kind of wanted more.
Obviously, though, people have been hurt by the Bible being turned into a weapon of harm, and many many people have been taught the "obvious" (to me) misinterpretations as fact -- and I hope that this book can help set someone free.
November 27, 2025
I both read and listened to this book. The author looks at the ways we read the Bible - some ways to prove our points, other ways to get what was intended.
The lenses that do harm:
1. The literalism lens: “The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.”
2. The apocalypse lens: “It’s all gonna burn anyway.”
3. The moralism lens: “Well, that’s not biblical.”
4. The hierarchy lens: “Submit to authority as you submit to God.”
The healthy lenses:
1. The Jesus lens: “The Scriptures point to me.”
2. The context lens: “The one who seeks will find.”
3. The flourishing lens: “I have come that they may have life abundantly.”
4. The fruitfulness lens: “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
The lenses that do harm:
1. The literalism lens: “The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.”
2. The apocalypse lens: “It’s all gonna burn anyway.”
3. The moralism lens: “Well, that’s not biblical.”
4. The hierarchy lens: “Submit to authority as you submit to God.”
The healthy lenses:
1. The Jesus lens: “The Scriptures point to me.”
2. The context lens: “The one who seeks will find.”
3. The flourishing lens: “I have come that they may have life abundantly.”
4. The fruitfulness lens: “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
January 23, 2026
Absolutely beautiful. So well-written, argued, and supported. Every evangelical so-called Christian should read this after praying that the Holy Spirit would open their hearts and minds (a big ask). I’m so thankful that people like Zach are out there doing this, it is inspiring. And for me personally, a reminder not to throw the baby (Jesus) out with the bath water (the American church). Worth re-reading.
April 2, 2026
I appreciate Zach's heart and don't disagree with him much actually. in some instances I found his interpretations to be too simplistic, not acknowledging the vast array of positions of scholars much smarter than he is. I get what he's trying to do, and understand that he wants it to be applicable to the average layperson, but unfortunately I've read too much elsewhere to enjoy it lol. Still would recommend Pete Enns' "how the Bible actually works" as my go to. but I respect Zach and his ministry.
February 27, 2026
This book is particularly helpful for those who have gone through deconstruction or who question how the Bible can possibly be read without being hurtful. Easy to read whatever background you come from.
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