When Mercy Hurts: How Helping Can Make Things Worse

Podcast: Anabaptist Theological Perspectives · Jerry Eicher

Opublikowano: 2026-09-01

In this episode Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives argues that well‑intentioned mercy can sometimes do more harm than good because spiritual choices shape biological and cultural outcomes. Drawing on Jesus’ “seek the kingdom first” principle and recent neuroscience and epigenetic ideas, he explains how habits and neural connections are formed, passed between generations, and require deliberate spiritual disciplines to change. Jerry applies the principle to mission work (including a discussion of Haiti’s history and current challenges), international adoption and foster care, and the reception of new converts in Anabaptist communities. He emphasizes the importance of teachin...