Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

[Rev. M. Rodimer]

Let's see what Karma is all about.

What is Karma?

Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How can we test the karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others.

According to the Law of Karma, people who are born blind or retarded DESERVE IT. Poor people DESERVE IT. People who die slowly and horribly from cancer DESERVE IT.

Is "karma" just a false religion's attempt to introduce the Will of God?

[Mrs. Rogers]

Re: Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

Is "karma" just a false religion's attempt to introduce the Will of God?

That makes a lot of sense, Reverend. Many false religions pre-stole Christian holidays, so it follows that false religions would mangle Christian Truths, and attempt to pass them off as their own.

[humble servant]

Re: Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

I think that karma is not as dependable as the wrath of God. I think it is a false way of explaining things.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

That's a dot-head concept. They worship demons. "Karma" is a lizard they worship.

[Cranky Old Man]

Re: Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

Is "karma" just a false religion's attempt to introduce the Will of God?

Perhaps. But why should we care? It's not in the Holy Bible so it is not relevant anyway.

[Rev. M. Rodimer]

Re: Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

Perhaps. But why should we care? It's not in the Holy Bible so it is not relevant anyway.

Simple. We should care because these New Agey Woo-heads come in here spouting about how "karma" is much better than God's Wrath, when clearly it's the same concept; you get what you deserve, and there is someone (God!) out there deciding what it is you deserve!

[True Disciple]

Re: Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others.

This is the part that puts me off. In my opinion, it is too much like Salvation(tm)-through-works heresies.

Furthermore, unlike the false teachings of buddhism imply, we are not responsible for our past and present actions if we are True Christians(tm), Jesus is responsible. He took that responsibility upon Him when He died on the cross. That is why we are cleansed of sin, if we still were responsible, then we would still face punishment.

In short, the concept of karma is diametrically opposed to True Christianity(tm).

[BelieverInGod]

Re: Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

So you're saying that my husband hits me because I stole his sheep in a previous life?

Sounds like Bullocks to me.

[Rev. M. Rodimer]

Re: Is "Karma" a Christian concept?

So you're saying that my husband hits me because I stole his sheep in a previous life?

Sounds like Bullocks to me.

Well, yes, I imagine Sandra Bullock DID do something to incur God's Wrath and cause her husband to go astray.

I'm just seeing a parallel between Karma and God's Wrath, where Karma is like the baby version of God's Wrath:

Karma: The magical universe records everything you do and throws it back at you, so you get exactly what you deserve . . . wealth, poverty; health, illness; beauty, or a face like Michael Moore. It might take more than one "life" for you to get properly karmafied, so you shouldn't question your station in life (born poor, born deformed, etc.) because, well, you deserve it. The "universe" says so. This is why the Hindus have a "caste" system, it explains people's station in life and they can't move outside it, because the "universe" put them there.

God's Wrath: God records everything you do and punishes or rewards you directly in this life and after death. If you are born poor or deformed, it is either because God wants to punish your parents (think Trig Palin, a punishment for his mother running around telling men what to do), or God knows you're going to commit a heinous sin and is pre-emptively punishing you, or God wants to teach you or others a valuable lesson. If you're born rich, it's because God loves you. If you are born poor and make yourself rich, it's because God has blessed you richly for your faith.

See? God's Wrath is infinitely more complex and "personal" a concept, so Karma can be used as a stepping-stone to understanding.