A recent survey reveals a significant divide regarding the value of empathy, particularly within white evangelical Protestant communities. A majority of white evangelical Protestants believe empathy can be dangerous if it deviates from a society guided by God's truth. This perspective stands in contrast to most other major religious groups. In contrast, at least 66% of all other surveyed religious groups agreed that empathy is a foundational moral value essential for a healthy society. Religiously unaffiliated Americans and those of other non-Christian religions showed particularly strong endorsement of empathy's foundational role. The survey also highlighted a substantial partisan gap, with Democrats more likely to view empathy as foundational than Republicans. This divide also correlates with allegiance to Christian nationalism, where adherents express more skepticism about empathy's value. PRRI suggests this "empathy gap" separates Republicans and white evangelicals from the broader American population. The findings raise concerns about the moral underpinnings necessary for a shared democracy. The survey was conducted online in late 2026 with a large sample size.