Straight White American Jesus "The Sin of Empathy" Part II: You Are Not God
Mar 24, 2025
Explore the provocative idea that empathy is seen as a sin in some evangelical circles. The discussion critiques how this perspective can harm women and examines the troubling biblical interpretations behind it. The podcast also tackles the implications for women's rights, touching on feminism and emotional intelligence within faith communities. It questions traditional gender norms and the impact on church leadership. Ultimately, the conversation challenges dehumanizing attitudes toward empathy and encourages a reevaluation of its role in both theology and society.
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Old Testament Basis for Anti-Empathy
- Joe Rigney's argument against empathy relies heavily on Old Testament passages, particularly from Deuteronomy and Ezekiel.
- This is notable because he omits any New Testament or teachings of Jesus to support his claims.
Pastor as God Analogy
- Rigney's theological argument positions male pastors as analogous to God the Father, overseeing a potentially wayward wife (the church).
- This analogy lacks the nuance of Jesus's human experience, which is central to Christian theology.
Transgender Rights and Abortion
- Rigney equates the transgender rights movement to emotional blackmail, disregarding the genuine suffering of individuals with gender dysphoria.
- His discussion of abortion lacks depth, focusing on the "murder" of unborn children while minimizing the complexities of reproductive rights.
