The Crisis of Empathy

Spoilers: It can't be averted by limiting empathy with goodness

In his letter to Rome, the Apostle Paul instructs Roman Christians to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (12:15)

This is a wild command. Paul seems to be suggesting that we take on the affections of our fellow Christians, whether those affections are positive or negative, good or bad, enjoyable or not. He is calling us to a drama…