The article discusses a disturbing trend within right-wing Christian discourse, where empathy is increasingly labeled as a “sin” or “weakness.” Prominent figures, such as conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey and theologian Joe Rigney, have published books critiquing empathy, framing it as “toxic” and a potential threat to moral judgment. Many religious scholars express concern that this anti-empathy rhetoric undermines core Christian teachings of compassion and love for one’s neighbor, emphasizing that empathy is essential to Christianity.
Critics argue that this shift aligns with a rise in “MAGA Christianity,” where empathy towards marginalized groups is demonized, allowing adherents to maintain rigid ideological stances rooted in jingoism and other exclusionary beliefs. The vilification of empathy, they argue, serves to uphold existing social hierarchies and power structures while distancing followers from the realities faced by others, particularly marginalized communities.
The article highlights that empathy is integral to Jesus’s teachings and that the abandonment of empathy within these communities results in apathy and moral blindness. It reflects a theological shift toward Old Testament law that emphasizes punishment rather than compassion, making it easier for followers to ignore suffering and align with powerful political narratives.
Overall, critics warn that this dangerous rebranding of empathy threatens not only individual relationships and community well-being but also broader societal structures, including democracy and human rights. The authors stress that true Christian practice must prioritize empathy, arguing that “to have empathy is holy, not toxic.”
