The Sin of Empathy with Dr. Joe Rigney

📖 Episode Overview

In this challenging and timely conversation, Dave and Dante sit down with theologian and author Dr. Joe Rigney to discuss a topic that has sparked significant debate in both Christian and cultural spaces: the sin of empathy.

Empathy is often celebrated as an unquestioned virtue—but what happens when empathy is detached from truth? Dr. Rigney helps clarify the difference between biblical compassion and disordered empathy, showing how misplaced emotional identification can lead men away from wisdom, courage, and faithful leadership.

This episode is especially relevant for fathers and husbands navigating emotional pressure, cultural confusion, and moral compromise—both inside the home and in the public square.

🔥 Key Topics Discussed

• What Dr. Rigney means by "the sin of empathy"

• Why empathy is not always a virtue when divorced from truth

• The difference between compassion and emotional manipulation

• How empathy can be weaponized in modern culture

• Biblical examples of rightly ordered love and mercy

• Why men are especially vulnerable to disordered empathy

• How fathers can lead with both truth and tenderness

• The role of courage and clarity in Christian masculinity

• Teaching children to care without surrendering conviction

• Pastoral and parental wisdom for engaging emotionally charged issues

🛡️ Legacy Dads Takeaways

• Truth must lead love, not the other way around

• Compassion does not require agreement

• Fathers must model emotional strength rooted in Scripture

• Saying "no" can be the most loving response

• Biblical empathy always points people toward repentance, restoration, and Christ

📚 About the Guest

Dr. Joe Rigney is a theologian, author, and pastor known for his work on Christian ethics, masculinity, and cultural engagement. He has written extensively on the relationship between truth, love, and emotional formation within the church.

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