The Enticing Sin of Empathy

I've probably mentioned this before, but my studies have brought me back around to this topic.  We assume, as present-day Christians, that empathy is an all-encompassing good, wherein we gain and communicate understanding to one who suffers.

Yet, what good is that, really?

Joe Rigney, the president-elect of Bethlehem College and Seminary, wrote an article a couple of years ago titled, “The Enticing Sin of Empathy: How Satan Corrupts Through Compassion.”  He writes it in the form of C. S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters --- a fictional exchange in which an elder demon (Wormwood) educates his nephew in how to become a better tempter.  This "correspondence" reveals the deception of seeking empathy over a true Christian virtue: compassion.

So many voices today tell us to just affirm the feelings of others.  The pastor may not probe.  The Christian counselor may not maintain emotional distance.  No, we must plunge in, with both feet, and simply allow the waves to wash over us.  Such an empty gesture leaves two people in trouble, but somehow our culture thinks it better.

Isn't this what we've seen in the recent social justice conversations?  Someone repeats the lie that police are hunting down young black men and murdering them in cold blood, that there's a present day genocide in America.  You point out that this is statistically inaccurate, not backed by any study.  You are told that you're hateful and denying the feelings of others; why don't you simply be quiet and listen?

This applies to any number of life's situations.  A woman feels anxious all the time, so you ask her about her schedule and whether she is seeking the Lord about personal sin.  A man says that he's struggling with anger for perceived mistreatment from his boss and coworkers, so you ask for clarification to see whether his feelings are justified.  

"Why are you so judgmental?"

If a person is drowning, then the right and actually helpful thing to do is to plant oneself on solid ground and then reach out a hand.  The sufferer may look at such an act as pity, and they may despise the fact that you're standing on solid ground while they've been carried along by their emotions.  

Yet, if we want to help, we dare not yield our footing on the Word of God.

I don't necessarily recommend everything from Desiring God, but give that article a read.  

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