The Sin of Toxic Empathy is a MAGA Dogwhistle to Make Sure Mothers Stay in Line

Allie Beth Stuckey's book explains why evangelical MAGAs feel a responsibility to hate

Bishop Budde asked for mercy for hurting people at the National Prayer Service after Trump’s inauguration. MAGA came out swinging. Trump demanded an apology. He was unimpressed and offended by her prayer.

However, the majority of our country expressed amazement, gratitude, calm, and appreciation for her courage. The Bishop’s kind, gentle voice was an audible balm amid so much hateful rhetoric. She quoted Jesus. Even the nonreligious and post-religious posted applause for this Episcopalian priest.

It’s reasonable that most Americans would feel incredulous as to why any Christian could take issue with this prayer. But it made sense to me as a survivor of evangelical patriarchy. Bishop Budde is a woman. She’s in a leadership role in an inclusive denomination. MAGA doesn’t think she’s a real Christian. They were not about to take her words or position seriously. But then it got even weirder.

A conservative underling pastor named Ben Garrett cited “the sin of empathy.”

What the hell is that? Since when is empathy a sin? According to Garrett, a woman calling for empathy is a “snake” who hates God.

“You need to properly hate in response” is certainly not “love your enemies,” “turn the other cheek,” or any other Jesus-talk.

“Your eye shall not pity” is from Deuteronomy 19: 21.

“Your eyes shall not pity: it shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” The verse describes retribution and the Old Testament practice of murdering “false preachers.”

Garrett’s threat to Bishop Budde’s life flew over the heads of most Americans. But neither “your eye shall not pity” nor “the sin of empathy” would’ve escaped the target audience: MAGA and MAHA mothers, who feel moved by a call for mercy.