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How does the concept of empathy relate to core tenets of Mormonism and its practices?

mymnbob wrote: ↑

Mon May 05, 2025 3:41 pm

How does the concept of empathy relate to core tenets of Mormonism and its practices?

I do not recall nor have I heard any particularly Mormon teachings about the word empathy. I have listened to a couple of presentations by Dan McClellan on the subject he's a Mormon and even though he might not represent the average Mormon he points out that some Christian speakers have been attacking the idea of empathy and he thinks that they're doing that in a quite manipulative manner. It is true that empathy probably require some judgment to be used well. By itself it is not absolutely and always good but it is a helpful thing for the good. It is best combined with thought and understanding.

I have heard it said in sacrament meeting and Sunday school that God and Jesus being men means they have the same empathy that the rest of us do. That can add some extra layers of meaning when the church teaches that they feel our pain and know what it’s like.

Also the concept of eternal progression means that everyone goes through the same process.