Elon Musk is on record stating that empathy is a weakness. VP J.D. Vance has said that empathy should be limited to those in one’s immediate family circle. Some in right-wing, Christian nationalist circles preach that empathy practiced broadly toward all is a form of national suicide. Dr. James Davis May, director of the creative writing program at Mercer University in Macon feels differently. At a recent faculty and staff “teach-in” he delivered an address entitled “In Defense of Empathy.” He will reprise his address for us this Sunday. Come and learn why empathy is a critical component in the common good.