In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.
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.
In "Toxic Empathy," Allie Beth Stuckey dissects the manipulative tactics employed by progressives to exploit Christian compassion for their political agenda. Stuckey argues that this "toxic empathy" often leads to a disregard for truth and morality. The book provides a framework for understanding how progressive narratives are constructed and disseminated. Stuckey equips readers with the tools to critically analyze these narratives and engage in more effective conversations. Ultimately, the book aims to empower readers to defend their beliefs and engage in constructive dialogue.
After a made-for-T.V. meltdown in the Oval Office between President Trump and President Zelensky of Ukraine, the administration cut all military aid to Ukraine and sided with Russia instead. Will this cause some evangelicals to rethink their support for Trump, and if so where will they go? Two popular Christian books are saying that empathy is manipulative at best, or downright sinful at worst. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn examine their arguments. Most Christians probably believe that racism is rooted in hate or ignorance, but historian Malcolm Foley says it’s really all about greed. Until we understand the economic origins of racism, he says, the church won’t be equipped to fight it. Also this week—name five things you did last week to justify your existence.
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Bonus Interview:
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Ad-free Version of this episode:
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0:00 - Show Starts
2:57 - Theme Song
3:18 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.
4:13 - Sponsor - Pique - Pique’s tea is a superfood in a cup! Comes with a frother and glass beaker—get the starter kit at https://piquelife.com/HOLYPOST
5:50 - Five Things to Justify Your Existence
9:24 - Zelensky and Trump
19:26 - Cutting Off Therapeutic Food
26:35 - The Divide of Politics and Personal Ethics
30:20 - The Sin of Empathy
40:35 - Misidentifying the Problem
55:19 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST
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57:42 - Interview
59:50 - What Links Theology and Finance?
1:03:35 - How Greed Leads to Racism
1:18:00 - Love as a Material Relationship
1:30:52 - End Credits
Resources:
The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money in the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward by Malcolm Foley: https://a.co/d/cSlX28G
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