Is empathy a sin? Some conservative Christians argue it can be:
Those Christians claim empathy can manipulate people into accepting what they see as sins ...
pbs.org/newshour/politics/is-empathy-a-sin-some-conservative-christians-argue-it-can-be
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Conservative Christians Challenge Empathy’s Moral RoleEvangelical writers warn empathy enables acceptance of abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration policies they oppose.
- Some conservative Christians claim empathy is exploited to justify behaviors they consider sinful.
- Authors Allie Beth Stuckey and Joe Rigney critique unchecked empathy that conflicts with conservative biblical teachings.
- This viewpoint gained traction during President Trump’s second term amid criticism of his policies as lacking compassion.
- Progressive Christian leaders counter that empathy embodies the core message of Jesus and should not be dismissed.
Empathy is at the heart of Jesus’ life and ministry.— The Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello in a sermon at Washington National Cathedral.
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Conservative Christians argue empathy can lead to sin: Some voices on the Christian right are arguing the virtue of empathy has become a vice ...
apnews.com/article/conservative-christians-sin-of-toxic-empathy-c9ab96faf99605e010f487df61d92d8f
Is empathy a sin? Some conservative Christians argue it can be: Some voices on the Christian right are arguing the virtue of empathy has become a vice.
pressdemocrat.com/article/trending/is-empathy-a-sin-some-conservative-christians-argue-it-can-be/
Is empathy a sin? Some conservative Christians argue it can be: Empathy is usually regarded as a virtue, a key to human decency and kindness. And yet ...
mercurynews.com/2025/08/21/is-empathy-a-sin-some-conservative-christians-argue-it-can-be/
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Key FactsThe Rise of ‘Empathy is Sin’ in Christian Thought
May 25, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: vox.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: vox.com
- The notion that empathy constitutes sin was first proposed by pastor Joe Rigney six years ago and gained traction within conservative Christian communities.
- Rigney characterizes ‘untethered empathy’ as dangerous, manipulated by Satan and linked to liberal perspectives he opposes.
- This viewpoint has been amplified by other Christian authors and right-leaning politicians, reaching wider audiences through influencers like Elon Musk and JD Vance.
- Despite widespread criticism, the debate persists amid broader cultural struggles involving authority, gender roles, and societal values.
Everybody’s supposed to have sympathy for the white male, but when you show empathy to anyone else, suddenly empathy is a sin.— Karen Swallow Prior, Christian scholar highlighting the gender dynamics and societal implications of the empathy debate.
The Christian ‘Sin of Empathy’ Movement Fits the Trump Era: When suffering is irrelevant, anything can be justified. Enter the Christian movement that believes ...
nymag.com/intelligencer/article/christian-sin-of-empathy-trump-era.html
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