Roxanne Stone

Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and empathy researcher, joins Roxanne Stone, Executive Editor at Religion News Service, to dissect the emerging debate on empathy. They explore the contentious notion that empathy can be toxic, particularly within evangelical circles, where critiques arise. Jamil explains empathy’s components and its neural benefits, while Roxanne discusses its misinterpretation in political contexts. Together, they highlight the importance of healthy empathy, discussing burnout and how it can be cultivated as a skill.

In this engaging discussion, Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor, delves into the science of empathy, breaking it down into three components: emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, and empathic concern. Roxanne Stone, an executive editor, critiques the notion of 'toxic empathy' arising from some evangelical voices, exploring its political implications. They tackle whether empathy hinders objectivity and discuss the societal shifts reducing our incentives to empathize. Zaki also shares tips on cultivating empathy and recovering from burnout.