Welcome to Crucible of Thought! I'm Brandon, and I was a member of conservative evangelical congregations for 45 years. This blog is about things that I've learned since 2020, as I've been undergoing a process of "deprogramming," "deconstruction," "reconstruction"... pick whatever term you want, but basically a process carefully examining many different aspects of my social, political, and religious beliefs to see what really actually aligns with the Bible and specifically the teachings of Jesus, more than what aligns with the host of dogmatic statements I inherited in years of church training. I'm not trying to persuade anyone: I'm sharing my process, in the hopes that it inspires and enlightens others. I welcome you to join me as we move forward in our faith together.New Crucible Email Notifications
Join our free and spam-free email list to be notified of new posts.
New Crucible Email Notifications Read More »
Suggested Reading List
I’ve read a lot of books in the last couple of years. Here’s my personal reading list, and I believe that each of these would be valuable to you, for varying reasons.
Suggested Reading List Read More »
In Guns We Trust
I ran across a fascinating image today. It’s a wall-mounted gun cabinet disguised to look just like a rugged wooden cross, advertised as a great way to share your faith while simultaneously protecting yourself with those firearms.
Can Queer and Transgendered Persons Represent the Image of God?
How should we think about the current meteoric rise in gender-fluid thinking and self-expression in today’s culture? Can LGBTQ+ people represent the Imago Dei, the Image of God? It’s a pressing question for the church.
Can Queer and Transgendered Persons Represent the Image of God? Read More »
Let Us Agape One Another
Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I’m struck by two things: a peace that God has the entire world in His hands, even those who haven’t heard about Jesus yet, and a determination that showing agape love to my immediate neighbors ought to be a primary focus. And I think Dr. King had a handle on how to show agape love.
Let Us Agape One Another Read More »
Roller Coasters
Roller coasters are really popular entertainment in amusement parks. But when life itself becomes a roller coaster, how will my heart and mind and soul respond to the sudden ups and downs and shaking? Here are some thoughts on finding joy, not just fun.
Doctrinal Humility
It’s long intrigued me that many doctrinal positions are not universally held, and I started thinking about why we lock to hard into clearly debatable positions. I think humans tend to latch onto an idea that comforts us, and then we build walls of doctrine around that idea. Let’s explore that tendency.
Doctrinal Humility Read More »
In Control
If God is in control, then maybe I should stop trying to get out of a situation, and instead ask Him what He wants me to get out of it.
The One Ring of Political Power
The parallels between today’s America and 1930s Germany are striking. In “The Lord of the Rings” J.R.R. Tolkien describes The One Ring, a malevolent and active power which subverts and dominates anyone who wears it. I wonder if the recent pursuit of political power by the Evangelical church is akin to slipping on that ring.
The One Ring of Political Power Read More »
Rabbis and Spiritual Fathers
The Jewish model of rabbis and disciples present a useful example of the spiritual sonship model.
Rabbis and Spiritual Fathers Read More »