Questions about empathy (beliefs, Jesus, Baptist, God)

[Oakback]

Empathy Matters.
Does it matters more than being right or wrong? More than being good or bad?
Does it matter more than being a Christian?
Can anyone be a Christian without empathy?
Does being empathetic prevent us from being
judgmental?
From strong beliefs? Even absolute beliefs?

[EscAlaMike]

I don't know about empathy. It's an emotion/feeling over which we do not often have control.

What really matters is charity. We can practice charity towards someone whether we feel any empathy towards them or not.

[ShanaBrown]

Originally Posted by Oakback

Empathy Matters.
Does it matters more than being right or wrong? More than being good or bad?
Does it matter more than being a Christian?
Can anyone be a Christian without empathy?
Does being empathetic prevent us from being
judgmental?
From strong beliefs? Even absolute beliefs?

I believe that we can look at Jesus and we see that Jesus was emphatic. Emphathy is an expression of love. Jesus loved people and understood everyone and everyone's situation. He did not must empathize and leave it at that. He brought change. He loved us enough to speak the truth and did not waver on speaking truth. He is the Truth. He empathized with our lost condition gave His life for us. He showed us how to rise above and get out of our lost condition through Him. God bless.

[Oakback]

Originally Posted by EscAlaMike

I don't know about empathy. It's an emotion/feeling over which we do not often have control.

What really matters is charity. We can practice charity towards someone whether we feel any empathy towards them or not.

I think you may be thinking of sympathy as opposed to empathy.

I can be empathetic without being sympathetic and visa versa.

For example I may sympathize with someone's back pain. Without fully appreciating the affects of chronic pain.

I could also empathize with the same person, but not sympathize with their view or reaction to their pain.

I think.

[Thoreau424]

Empathy is generally helpful and productive, but I wouldn't necessarily say it is a requirement for Christianity.

It's definitely better to have empathy than, say, meanness, insult, and division. Christ was extremely empathetic, so it is a big plus.

P.S. 'Right and wrong' and 'good and bad' are highly subjective, and tend to create problems in their use. We should be specific instead, and not rely on these vague "crutch' words.

[Oakback]

Originally Posted by ShanaBrown

I believe that we can look at Jesus and we see that Jesus was emphatic. Emphathy is an expression of love. Jesus loved people and understood everyone and everyone's situation. He did not must empathize and leave it at that. He brought change. He loved us enough to speak the truth and did not waver on speaking truth. He is the Truth. He empathized with our lost condition gave His life for us. He showed us how to rise above and get out of our lost condition through Him. God bless.

I also believe ( I think ) that empathy is radical intimacy.

To be truly empathetic, requires an understanding of someone on a deep level.
It requires a degree of intimacy.

It requires a concern for others. Or at least a basic curiosity about another's humanity.

It is Christ like.

[Oakback]

Originally Posted by Thoreau424

Empathy is generally helpful and productive, but I wouldn't necessarily say it is a requirement for Christianity.

It's definitely better to have empathy than, say, meanness, insult, and division. Christ was extremely empathetic, so that is a big plus.

P.S. 'Right and wrong' and 'good and bad' are highly subjective, and tend to create more problems in their use. Should be specific instead.

Is I understand my own Christianity, or my desire to be more like Christ, to " love my neighbor as myself " empathy is for me a prerequisite .

[BaptistFundie]

Originally Posted by Oakback

Empathy Matters.
Does it matters more than being right or wrong? More than being good or bad?
Does it matter more than being a Christian?
Can anyone be a Christian without empathy?
Does being empathetic prevent us from being
judgmental?
From strong beliefs? Even absolute beliefs?

Empathy about what?

Of course we should care about those that are in pain, or need. What do you mean by the rest of it? I feel like it's a leading question.

[Thoreau424]

You know, it's possible to be empathic to politicians and criminals, so just being "empathic" in and of itself isn't always a great attribute. Like most matters, how it is applied is important and relevant.

[Oakback]

Originally Posted by BaptistFundie

Empathy about what?

Of course we should care about those that are in pain, or need. What do you mean by the rest of it? I feel like it's a leading question.

Empathy towards all . Period.