Is it possible for our greatest Christian virtues to become our deadliest vices? Dr. Joe Rigney reveals how untethered empathy threatens to undermine biblical truth and transform compassion into a weapon of manipulation.
In this episode of Remnant Radio, Dr. Rigney tackles the controversial intersection of emotions and truth in Christian culture from his new book, The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits. From Nazi Germany to modern church leadership, discover why good intentions without biblical boundaries lead to devastating consequences.
Join Joshua Lewis and Michael Miller as they explore: • The distinction between biblical compassion and destructive empathy • How empathy without boundaries leads to tribalism • Why good men struggle with women’s displeasure • The connection between empathy and church liberalization • Real-world examples from immigration to abuse ministry
Dr. Rigney, fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College and pastor at Christ Church, provides a biblical framework for maintaining both compassion and conviction in an age of emotional manipulation.
0:00 Introduction: The Sin of Empathy
2:34 The Inspiration for “The Sin of Empathy” & Initial Reactions
6:10 Empathy, Sympathy, & Compassion Defined: Navigating the Nuances
16:44 Cultural Manipulations
21:19 When Feelings Replace God: The Idolatry of Empathy
37:04 The Blindspots of Empathy
41:30 Empathy Leads to Tribalism
50:23 Compassion + Truth VS Untethered Empathy
1:00:17 Final Thoughts
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