For Your Consideration

December 11, 2025

Empathy has recently been a buzzword in both secular and Christian spaces, especially in its relation to American politics. In my personal experience as a counselor in training, empathy is frequently cited as the principle forming the basis for the therapeutic relationship. I was curious about the counseling profession’s assertion that empathy is paramount, while the world at large finds it to be a very contentious idea. This was the starting point of my thoughts about empathy, which I will return to later.

Public discourse in more liberal leaning circles argues that empathy is the key ethical foundation for things like government assistance programs and relaxed immigration policies. Many conservative leaning people vehemently fight against these policies, and have begun to label the concept of empathy generally as a liberal guilt-trip. Conservative influencers, like Allie Beth Stuckey, have now written entire books describing how empathy is an exploitation of Christian compassion. 

When those who participate in political discourse define empathy, it always seems to be with the intention of denouncing those with the opposing view on political matters. The term empathy is used in politics to divide right from left, to accuse others of being inhumane, un-Christian etc.

While I agree that the rhetorical tactic of defining the term to win the argument is effective, I think those who utilize this tactic are pursuing the wrong end, especially considering the beliefs some of these figures hold to. I prefer to pursue what the truth beneath the word is, and move up to its application from there, not vice versa.

My brief attempt to do this took me to where the word empathy comes from. The word empathy came into use in English after a German philosopher, Robert Vischer, used the word Einfühlung in his writing on aesthetics. In English, the idea could be translated as “in-feeling.” In less philosophical speak, the phrase, “put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” comes to mind.

This attempt to see through another’s eyes, or live someone else’s experience, is literally impossible. We cannot inhabit someone else’s mind, heart or soul. Why then do we attempt to accomplish this “in-feeling” ? Why do we want to understand another’s experience, to what end? Is it because we think there must be an explanation for human thought and behavior that we do not agree with? But this still doesn’t answer why we care so deeply about an explanation. What does an explanation give us? 

I think it provides a way forward, back into relationship with others. Think about a time when you have been betrayed by a friend. In those situations, we want an explanation of why they acted as they did, so we can understand if there was a reason for their actions. If there was, this understanding allows us to more easily forgive the offense. We have a natural desire for communion with other human beings and unity is what we are in pursuit of. This is what I believe the purpose of empathy is – understanding in pursuit of communion.

Empathy points not towards a passive consumption of knowledge, but towards action in service of others. Understanding how our reason and heart cooperate is not easy to begin with, and even more so when we attempt to integrate another person in the process. For this reason, I think empathy is something that all human beings have the potential for, but must be cultivated through a good education.

This begs the question of what defines a good education, and how one goes about teaching a variety of human beings – a question that has only occupied the minds of thinkers for thousands of years. I will only say that the opinions of those teachers who have formed me, lead me to only two choices: the philosophic education and the religious. I have benefitted from both. A good education helps you to examine yourself honestly, and seek the truth outside of yourself, allowing for the proper posture of humility in the face of others.

My education has taught me that empathy is necessary because of what God has done for human beings, and as a secondary result, what other human beings do for me. I believe that empathy is the use of our reasoning faculty to engender humility within ourselves, and charity toward others. Both serve to bring human beings into unity with one another (and with their Creator).

This is why I think reconciliation (or confession) as a practice is the basis for empathy. When we take responsibility for our faults in the presence of God and other humans, we rightly admit that our ways of thinking, acting and being are imperfect. This openness about our faults often prompts others to admit they too are imperfect. Sin is the great equalizer. While I see confession and reconciliation frequently practiced in religious settings, their use can be seen elsewhere. But the good that comes from the practice of reconciliation within the church is that through confession of our faults, we are forgiven and reunited with that which is perfect. This love that forgives, also calls us to forgive others. Reconciliation is not only between Creator and Man; it is also between Man and Man.

In answer to the question that brought me here, I think that counseling is rightly “empathy for hire.” In some ways, it is no surprise that counselors are so much in demand. Reconciliation and confession have gone out of style. I think that says something quite discouraging about what our culture has been teaching us for some time now. Perhaps we have been convinced that understanding others and trying to salvage relationships hold no value for us. We have been taught to be selfish. 

I am lucky as a future counselor to have been taught the importance of listening to another person, trying to understand what has brought them to me, and what they need to eventually leave as a healthier person. This is a type of reconciliation at the smallest level. Finding what is broken together and working towards healing mirrors the confessional posture that makes empathy possible. And as a Christian, I think this is some of the most important work to be done. 

For Your Consideration, 

Faith Elert