

#1469
Mentioned in 16 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 16 episodes
Discussed by ![undefined]()

as a thesis on how empathy, when not based on truth, can become destructive.

Joe Rigney

94 snips
The Empathy Debate: Virtue or Vice?
Mentioned by 

as a book arguing that empathy can be manipulative or sinful.


Phil Vischer

88 snips
659: The Root of Racism is Greed Not Hate with Malcolm Foley
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the topic of their conversation.

Albert Mohler

60 snips
The Sin of Empathy — A Conversation with Joe Rigney
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a provocative book that generated discussions about empathy and its potential downsides.

Sean McDowell

51 snips
Is Empathy a Sin? (with Tim Muehlhoff)
Mentioned by R. Albert Mohler Jr. in a discussion about empathy versus compassion.

45 snips
Friday, March 7, 2025
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 

in the context of a discussion on empathy in conservative Christian circles.


Phil Vischer

33 snips
658: Justice, Mercy, & Becoming Good News People with Derwin Gray
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing her positions on empathy and various social issues.

Brad Onishi

17 snips
Weekly Roundup: Trump, Epstein, John MacArthur, Allie Beth Stuckey, and Theology for Psychopaths
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in discussion of the potential negative consequences of empathy, particularly in the context of parental relationships with LGBTQ+ children.

Eric Cloward

17 snips
337 - Evil Is the Absence of Empathy
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a provocative work arguing that empathy becomes sinful when untethered from truth.

Andy Kind

14 snips
Is Empathy a Sin? Can caring too much ever become morally wrong? Dr. Joe Rigney and Dr. Alastair Roberts
Mentioned by 

to tell about his book and its inspiration.


Joshua Lewis

13 snips
When Empathy Becomes Sinful
Recommended by the guest, ![undefined]()

, as a controversial book arguing empathy becomes sinful when divorced from truth and biblical standards.

Joe Rigney

JOE RIGNEY - The Dark Side of Empathy: When Victims Become Manipulators
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in contrast to Allie Beth Stuckey's book, described as more rigorous.

Dan Miller

It's in the Code ep 146: “Empathy is…What, Exactly?”
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a must-read for pastors and Christians.

Becket Cook

The Sin of Empathy: Joe Rigney Interview
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 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 ![undefined]()

as one of the two people who talk about empathy.

Malcolm Foley

What LeBron James Teaches Us About Parenthood and Empathy
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that critiques empathy from a theological perspective.

Brad Onishi

The Sin of Empathy Part III: Dehumanization is the Goal
Mentioned as a provocative book that created a lot of conversation all over podcasts.

Is Empathy a Sin? A Clarifying Debate
Mentioned by 

as the author of a book that started the debate around empathy being a sin.


Kristin Brey

You Need To Listen: Episode 11 - Is Empathy a Sin?