The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits

*The Sin of Empathy: A Biblical and Psychological Reflection* By. Dr. Michael Napier In a world that elevates emotionalism over truth, we must be discerning about the forces that shape our hearts and minds. Empathy, often praised as the highest virtue, can become a dangerous counterfeit of biblical compassion when untethered from truth. While Scripture calls us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), it does not command us to surrender discernment or to be swept away by the emotional tides of another’s suffering. Joe Rigney’s *The Sin of Empathy* exposes how unchecked empathy demands that we not only feel with others but that we adopt their perspective entirely, forsaking objective truth for subjective experience. This is where empathy becomes a sin—it leads us away from the firm foundation of God’s Word and into the unstable waters of emotional manipulation. Rigney critiques how modern culture weaponizes pity to pressure believers into affirming sinful behaviors, replacing biblical discernment with emotional coercion (Rigney 2025, 45). Consider Christ’s example. He was moved with compassion (Matthew 9:36), but He never allowed Himself to be emotionally manipulated. He did not weep with the Pharisees when they rejected Him, nor did He affirm the rich young ruler’s sorrow when he walked away from truth (Mark 10:22). Christ’s love was steadfast, rooted in righteousness, not in emotional entanglement. From a Biblical Psychology perspective,

The title itself is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus

Republicans justifying not caring for anyone but themselves. Not very Christian if you ask me.

Everyone needs to read this book!!!

Typical millennial thinks he can rewrite the Bible. This book is a disgrace to intellects and theologians everywhere. The very foundation of this book is ridiculous. And I read it cover to cover. Borrowed from a friend, as I would never pay money for drivel.

Great book - Although the title is made to be controversial, the book lays out a good history of the word 'empathy' and the dangers with how it's used today. Beyond the word, it also shows the worldview that's putting more emphasis on being stuck in a bad situation with someone's feelings vs. being able to help them through it by staying emotionally stable yourself.

It is impossible to read the gospels and agree with this book. There are amazing books out there that include real insight and guidance. Don’t waste your money on this one.

When Democrats are flying to an El Salvador prison to fight for the release of a deported illegal alien, who committed multiple crimes yet allowing other egregious atrocities to happen on our soil (i.e. abortion, transing kids), you know empathy is being used for evil.

Majors on the minors.

Cogent, timely, enlightening. Explains so much.