Empathy has become one of the most celebrated virtues in modern culture, shaping how society approaches issues like abortion, immigration, and gender identity. In this talk, Allie Beth Stuckey examines the limits of empathy and warns that when it is untethered from truth, it can distort moral reasoning and public policy. Drawing on insights from moral psychology—including Yale professor Paul Bloom’s research showing that empathy is emotionally biased and often blind to long-term consequences—Stuckey argues that empathy alone is an unreliable guide for justice. Instead, she calls Christians to pursue a deeper ethic rooted in love, truth, and moral clarity—one that acknowledges suffering without surrendering wisdom, responsibility, or the dignity of every human life.
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Go deeper with THINQ's Worldview Case Studies. Guided by the THINQ Framework—Theology, History, Inquiry, Nuance, and Questions—each case study explores today's most pressing cultural issues through the lens of a biblical worldview.
The views and analysis expressed by this speaker are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of THINQ. We encourage you to listen broadly, consider multiple perspectives, ask good questions, and engage thoughtfully with differing viewpoints.
Most importantly, as the Bereans did in Acts 17, test what you hear against Scripture. Think well, seek truth, and examine everything carefully. If you are desiring a good rubric to analyze and reflect, we recommend reviewing our THINQ Framework.