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 explores how progressives exploit Christian compassion by using empathy as a tool of manipulation. She delves into five heated issues: abortion, gender, sexuality, immigration, and social justice. Stuckey argues that progressives use catchy mantras to present their perspectives as empathetic, while ignoring the other side of the moral equation. The book is about submitting empathy to God’s definitions of love, goodness, and justice, equipping Christians with research-backed, Biblical truths to dismantle progressive lies that have permeated culture and the church.
In this book, Skye Jethani examines the biblical concept of justice as the restoration of right relationships among people and between people and God. He delves into themes of judgment and mercy in Jesus's ministry, explaining Jesus's warnings about God's final judgment of those opposed to his kingdom of justice. The book includes hand-drawn illustrations in each chapter and helps readers understand God's love, wrath, the cross, eternity, and more. It also provides new ways for Christians to bridge the divide between personal salvation and communal justice.
Has Wheaton College, the flagship of evangelical higher ed, gone woke? Concerned parents and alumni have published a letter accusing the school of valuing diversity more than discipleship. Others have responded by defending Wheaton against the unfounded claims of the MAGA mob. What does the controversy reveal about the state of evangelicalism in the U.S.? A new piece by friend of the show, Karen Swallow Prior, explores the relationship between justice and mercy. Does emphasizing one value more than the other explain the rift in the American church? Derwin Gray is back to discuss his new book, “Lit Up With Love.” He explains how evangelism fits into the bigger narrative of the Bible, and how our reconciliation with God impacts our reconciliation with others. Also this week—North Dakota officially rejects the kingship of Jesus.
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0:00 - Show Starts
4:07 - Theme Song
4:29 - 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.
5:26 - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off
8:09 - Legal Resolution to Recognize Kingship of Jesus
12:56 - Wheaton Controversy, Russell Vought
18:42 - Wheaton, the Cultural Institution
31:03 - Justice and Mercy
37:05 - The Necessity of Wisdom
41:10 - What is Legalism?
53:03 - Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://www.meetfabric.com/HOLYPOST
54:08 - Sponsor - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!
55:20 - Interview
56:28 - Lit Up With Love
1:00:03 - Appetizer for the New Creation
1:06:11 - Confrontational Evangelism
1:15:10 - The Risk of Loving the Church
1:25:52 - End Credits
Links Mentioned in News Segment:
North Dakota House Rejects “Kingship of Jesus” Resolution:
https://news.prairiepublic.org/local-news/2025-02-19/house-rejects-kingship-resolution?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/religion
Mercy and Justice, False Dichotomy
https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/dispatch-faith/justice-mercy-virtues-christianity/
Other resources:
Lit Up with Love: Becoming Good-News People to a Gospel-Starved World by Derwin Gray: https://a.co/d/aRcDAuB
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
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