65: Is Having Empathy Really A Bad Thing?

Conservative figures like podcast host Allie Beth Stuckey and theologian Joe Rigney are leading a campaign against a feeling they consider dangerous and are weaponizing against Christians—empathy. They argue that empathy has been hijacked and can become toxic and sinful. In this episode, we'll explore their distinction between what they call "toxic empathy" and "biblical compassion." We analyze their arguments, their use of the Bible, and how they overlook the teachings and ministry of Jesus to justify their claims. Ultimately, the conservative opposition to empathy helps explain some of the cruelty emerging from the Trump administration and their willingness to starve women and children to make a political point. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians Show Notes https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/texas-megachurch-tiktok-baby-formula-b2863291.html https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/woman-called-lakewood-church-asking-132510186.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADQCTJ57PswQV8JV_QLVUpSRj7VFB1g5_NgeMdCVwiqEllHyZ4kvwlCNGUh-3QM2FM4VzDmI0Zr3FXb8QGQ3RpMpNXs1UoEwNuWHnnIRqkrYEgB1y9hvyJWa44QFpJQ-oMdgO5PXqHIKZwGJs-UfRPkHi9vQyoVEPxRfxNDq2L4d   The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].