Interesting Times with Ross Douthat Is ‘Toxic Empathy’ Pulling Christians to the Left?
24 snips
Jul 17, 2025 
Allie Beth Stuckey, a Conservative Christian podcaster known for her engaging commentary, joins the discussion to explore the notion of 'toxic empathy' and its influence on politics. She delves into the complexities of evangelical responses to President Trump, questioning if there are red lines for conservative Christians. Stuckey also asserts the importance of female authority in the church while dissecting the challenges faced by women in conservative circles. The conversation highlights the need for a balance between empathy and truth in shaping moral decisions.
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Empathy Can Become Toxic
- Empathy itself is neutral; it can lead to kindness or harmful outcomes depending on how it's applied.
- Toxic empathy occurs when feelings justify lies, affirm sin, or support destructive policies.
Empathy Inspires Real Help
- Allie Beth Stuckey shared personal stories about helping and receiving help from mothers struggling at airports.
- These experiences show how empathy can motivate acts of kindness and practical assistance.
Progressive Empathy Fuels Cruelty
- Excessive empathy in progressives can cause hostility against perceived opponents of their chosen victims.
- This paradoxically fuels cruelty while claiming deep compassion.
