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.
I wrote a four-part series on the various Christian doctrines of the afterlife. Any evangelical has a pretty solid idea of heaven versus hell, and streets of gold versus fire and brimstone, but I’ve learned that the verses supporting those positions are not quite what I thought.
New Series: A Discussion of Individual Eschatology Read More »
Dogmatism is often used to build a tribe, and strengthen its borders, often by threatening shunning for those who so much as question the dogma. But doctrinal humility and cheerfully welcoming uncertainty will ultimately build the Kingdom in ways that dogmatism cannot.
Dogmatism and Shunning – An Unholy Pair Read More »
I interview a close friend about dualism and simplicity versus mystery and complexity, and how we can mature beyond the easy, simple faith we start believing.
Enjoy this interview with a close friend about deconstructing our understanding of tithing.
Interview: A Conversation about Tithing Read More »
The Bible is full of apparent inconsistencies. What do we do with them, and is it possible that God actually is just fine with an imperfect collection of writings about the relationship between God and mankind? I think so, and here are some thoughts about why that is.
A Perfectly Imperfect Bible Read More »
Some thoughts on infant baptism and universal salvation. It no longer seems quite as alien an idea as it did when I was steeped in evangelical theology.
On Babies, Baptism, and Universal Salvation Read More »
A short parable. I’m deeply struck by our Heavenly Father’s grace and love towards us in our immaturity. It gives me great hope and peace, secure in God’s love no matter what.
I’ve been thinking about how I can safely and morally join with a church for missional work, even though I find myself fundamentally opposed to joining or building any institutional church. The word that came to me was “partnering,” and here are some thoughts.
Partnering Despite Differing Read More »
When we think about foreign policy, it’s easy to forget that nations are made up of people, and how we treat individual people was incredibly important to Jesus, far more than national identities.
When You Look at A Nation You Should See Human Beings Read More »
