The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits | Dr. Joe Rigney episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 8, 2026 · 57 MIN

The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits | Dr. Joe Rigney

from Ideas Have Consequences · host Disciple Nations Alliance

Episode Summary: Everyone loves empathy these days. But beware! Empathy seems to be a virtue perfect for hijacking and using for evil under the banner of good. In this provocative episode, we sit down with theologian Joe Rigney to expose the dangerous confusion between biblical compassion and what he calls “the sin of empathy.” When compassion is untethered from truth, it can manipulate hearts, distort justice, and harm the very people it claims to help.From gender identity and immigration to poverty, criminal justice, modern therapy culture, and almost every other social issue, we explore how empathy is often used to silence truth, reward dysfunction, and pressure Christians into moral compromise. This conversation challenges today’s “compassion narratives” and calls believers back to a deeper, stronger, and more truthful love that’s anchored in Scripture.This is a call to true Christian compassion: the kind that tells the truth, seeks genuine healing, and refuses emotional manipulation.Who is Disciple Nations Alliance (DNA)? Since 1997, DNA’s mission has been to equip followers of Jesus around the globe with a biblical worldview, empowering them to build flourishing families, communities, and nations. 👉 https://disciplenations.org/🎙️Featured Speaker: Dr. Rigney serves as Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrews College. He is the author of seven books: Live Like a Narnian: Christian Discipleship in Lewis’s Chronicles (Eyes & Pen, 2013); The Things of Earth: Treasuring God by Enjoying His Gifts (Crossway, 2015); Lewis on the Christian Life: Becoming Truly Human in the Presence of God (Crossway, 2018); Strangely Bright: Can You Love God and Enjoy This World? (Crossway, 2020); More Than a Battle: Experiencing Victory, Freedom, and Healing from Lust (B\&H, 2021), Courage: How the Gospel Creates Christian Fortitude (Crossway, 2023), and Leadership and Emotional Sabotage (Canon Press, 2024). Previously, Dr. Rigney served as a professor and president of Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, a pastor at Cities Church in St. Paul, and a teacher at Desiring God.📌 Recommended Links     👉 Joe’s Book: Leadership and the Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits – Canon Press     👉 Scott’s Book: Why Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice - Disciple Nations Alliance     👉 Recommended by C.S. Lewis: The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment     👉 University: Home | New Saint Andrews College | Classical Christian College in Idaho💻 Follow Us:     📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disciplenations    📽️YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/DiscipleNationsAlliance/📩 Ask us anything: [email protected] Episode Webpage

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 8, 2026

Embed this episode

Episode Summary: Everyone loves empathy these days. But beware! Empathy seems to be a virtue perfect for hijacking and using for evil under the banner of good. In this provocative episode, we sit down with theologian Joe Rigney to expose the dangerous confusion between biblical compassion and what he calls “the sin of empathy.” When compassion is untethered from truth, it can manipulate hearts, distort justice, and harm the very people it claims to help. From gender identity and i...

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.

NOW PLAYING

The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits | Dr. Joe Rigney

0:00 57:12

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Ideas Have Consequences?

This episode is 57 minutes long.

When was this Ideas Have Consequences episode published?

This episode was published on April 8, 2026.

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Ideas Have Consequences episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!