#4354
Mentioned in 15 episodes
The Sin of Empathy
Compassion and Its Counterfeits
Book • 2025
In this book, Joe Rigney argues that while empathy is often seen as a virtuous trait, it can also be a tool for manipulation and a source of harm.
Rigney distinguishes between empathy and sympathy, suggesting that empathy involves joining people in their darkness and distress without making judgments, whereas sympathy involves showing compassion while maintaining a sense of boundaries and truth.
He discusses how unregulated empathy can lead to emotional blackmail, selectivity, and cruelty, and how it has been exploited in various contexts, including under the progressive gaze and within feminist and church settings.
The book emphasizes the importance of genuine compassion that is grounded in truth and justice.
Rigney distinguishes between empathy and sympathy, suggesting that empathy involves joining people in their darkness and distress without making judgments, whereas sympathy involves showing compassion while maintaining a sense of boundaries and truth.
He discusses how unregulated empathy can lead to emotional blackmail, selectivity, and cruelty, and how it has been exploited in various contexts, including under the progressive gaze and within feminist and church settings.
The book emphasizes the importance of genuine compassion that is grounded in truth and justice.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 15 episodes
Discussed by Joe Rigney as a thesis on how empathy, when not based on truth, can become destructive.
85 snips
The Empathy Debate: Virtue or Vice?
Mentioned by R. Albert Mohler Jr. in a discussion about empathy versus compassion.
45 snips
Friday, March 7, 2025
Mentioned by Sean McDowell as a provocative book that generated discussions about empathy and its potential downsides.
39 snips
Is Empathy a Sin? (with Tim Muehlhoff)
Recommended by R. Albert Mohler Jr. as a new book release discussed on his podcast, "Thinking in Public."
37 snips
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Mentioned by 
Phil Vischer in the context of a discussion on empathy in conservative Christian circles.
Phil Vischer in the context of a discussion on empathy in conservative Christian circles.
33 snips
658: Justice, Mercy, & Becoming Good News People with Derwin Gray
Mentioned by Eric Cloward in discussion of the potential negative consequences of empathy, particularly in the context of parental relationships with LGBTQ+ children.
17 snips
337 - Evil Is the Absence of Empathy
Mentioned by Andy Kind as a provocative work arguing that empathy becomes sinful when untethered from truth.
14 snips
Is Empathy a Sin? Can caring too much ever become morally wrong? Dr. Joe Rigney and Dr. Alastair Roberts
Recommended by the guest, Joe Rigney , as a controversial book arguing empathy becomes sinful when divorced from truth and biblical standards.
JOE RIGNEY - The Dark Side of Empathy: When Victims Become Manipulators
Mentioned by the host as the central topic of the episode, criticizing its theological arguments.
"The Sin of Empathy" Part II: You Are Not God
Mentioned by Tony Kennett as the author of a book that will be discussed in the podcast.
Historic Poll Shift, Harvard to Lose Contracts, Trump & King Charles on Canada | May 28, 2025
Mentioned by 
Kristin Brey as the author of a book that started the debate around empathy being a sin.
Kristin Brey as the author of a book that started the debate around empathy being a sin.
You Need To Listen: Episode 11 - Is Empathy a Sin?
Mentioned by 
Auron Macintyre as the author of "The Sin of Empathy", discussing the manipulation of Christians through empathy.
Auron Macintyre as the author of "The Sin of Empathy", discussing the manipulation of Christians through empathy.
Emotional Blackmail and the Sin of Empathy | Dr. Joe Rigney | 4/11/25
