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 carefully examining many different aspects of my social, political, and religious beliefs to see what 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. Check out the book I'm writing!
I spent 100 hours repairing rotted wood in a house that looked fine on the surface. Fresh paint and nice furniture hid a lot. Much of evangelicalism looks like that too. How to tell which Christianity is sound? My answer: listen to the ones being harmed.
The Smell of Rot: How to Tell Which Christianity Is Sound Read More »
When a loved one says “I’m concerned for your soul,” how do you respond? My letter on repentance, humility, careful study, and trusting God over doctrine.
“I’m Concerned For Your Soul” Read More »
I will never forget 9/11. But I also remember 9/12, and what it did to us, and the horrible price we have paid down through the last 25 years.
Never forget 9/12/01 Read More »
This is a fairly thorough list of questionable and harmful actions by the 2025-2026 Trump Administration.
Trump Administration 2025-2026: Harmful Actions Read More »
I wrote a piece for Whosoever.org recently about my experience mentoring a trans woman before I was an ally. It was published on August 12, 2026. I wanted to share it here. From their Mission Statement: “Whosoever exists to help LGBTQ+ people experience and explore Christian faith free from fear, guilt and shame — and
Peter’s Vision and Becoming a Trans Ally Read More »
An engineer’s confession: how stepping back from biblical inerrancy – letting the details blur – revealed a bigger, more loving God than precision ever could.
Blurring Into Detail Read More »
I’ve been quietly haunted by a fear: that I’m in my mid-50s, finally have something worth passing on, but have nobody to pass it on to – and that time is not in my favor. Then something cracked open for me. What if death doesn’t end the call to make disciples? What if it’s not even close to the end of my usefulness to the Kingdom – because eternity is embodied, on a restored earth, with real work still to do? “O death, where is thy sting?” hits completely differently when you realize the grave can’t stop what God is building in you.
O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? Read More »
If you grew up in evangelical Christianity, you probably learned a version of prayer that treats God like a cosmic vending machine – put in the right coin, get out the answer you want. But what if that’s not how prayer works at all? This post explores two very different theologies of what Jesus came to do, and how each one shapes what we expect when we pray. If you’re deconstructing your faith but want to stay Christian, this might reframe the question in a way that actually helps.
God Didn’t Answer the Prayer of Jesus Either Read More »
Is heaven really where you go when you die? A biblical and historical case that heaven is the source – not the destination – of God’s Kingdom.
Heaven Is Not Your Destination Read More »
Over the years, I’ve written a small amount of original music. I’ve been posting it on YouTube; here’s some background info.
