5.08: Empathy is Hard Work

Reflections on the necessity, and the limitations, of empathy in light of the 2016 American election cycle

In the wake of the surprising outcome of the 2016 American presidential election, we talk about how we do politics going forward. In particular, we look at how empathy and treating each other (no matter how sharp our differences) as people made in the image of God must inform our politics, even as we acknowledge that no amount of empathy will overcome all disagreements.

• “What A Difference 2 Percentage Points Makes” – Nate Silver at FiveThirtyEight

• Previously on the show
  • 4.11: How People Read C. S. Lewis
  • 4.10: The Ancient Wisdom of Usenet
  • 4.09: We’re Idealist Realists
  • 4.05: The Price of Democracy
  • 1.12: Political Appinations
  • 1.06: Rebuke Me Some People

• “Kid” by Arwen and the Mega Reset. Used by permission.
• “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Who, as it turns out, has been close friends with one of the

Many thanks to the people who help us make this show possible by their financial support! This month’s sponsors:

• Andrew Fallows
• Kurt Klassen
• Jeremy Cherfas
• Jeremy W. Sherman

If you’d like to support the show, you can make a pledge at Patreon or give directly via Square Cash.

We love to hear your thoughts. Hit us up via Twitter, Facebook, or email!