Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast by Kyle Thompson JOE RIGNEY | The Sin of Empathy (Ep. 801)
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Aug 19, 2025 
Joe Rigney, a Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrews College and Associate Pastor at Christ Church, explores the darker side of empathy in this thought-provoking discussion. He contrasts empathy and sympathy, warning that unchecked empathy can lead to cowardice and moral ambiguity. Rigney critiques the infiltration of progressive ideologies in churches and how it affects leadership dynamics. He encourages pastors to maintain doctrinal integrity while navigating modern social issues. Dive into this compelling conversation on the complexities of faith and emotional responsibility!
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Untethered Empathy Defined
- Untethered empathy occurs when compassion is detached from truth and becomes reactive rather than governed by wisdom.
- Joe Rigney argues this corruption lets emotions steer institutions away from long-term good toward short-term pain relief.
Sympathy vs Untethered Empathy
- Sympathy/compassion tethers you to truth so you can help others without being overwhelmed by their feelings.
- Untethered empathy demands you join their feelings and validates emotions as ultimate truth, which harms wise action.
Empathy Is Reactive
- Empathy in its untethered form is reactive: it prioritizes immediate feelings over long-term good.
- Rigney warns this leads people and institutions to make choices that relieve short-term pain but cause long-term harm.
