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Hi, Nikki —
Karma per se is irreconcilable with
Christianity because it is fundamentally
bound up with the doctrine of reincarnation,
which is contrary to Christian philosophy
(Hebrews 9:27). However, that is
not to say that we don't, in some
way, suffer for the sins we commit.
10 For we must all appear before
the judgment seat of Christ, that
each one may receive what is due
him for the things done while
in the body, whether good or bad. (2
Corinthians 5:10)
Also, God punishes the sons whom
he loves so that we might become
righteous (Hebrews 12:5-11). 1
Corinthians 3:11-15 shows how on
the Judgment Day our work (deeds)
will be tested, and that of passing
value will be burned up, and that
of lasting value will remain, and
we will escape as through fire. We
call this Purgatory, from the word
for cleansing (i.e. purgation).
In Catholic Christianity, there are
two effects to sins:
- the eternal and the temporal.
The first pertains to our fundamental
relationship with God, whether we
are his friend or his enemy. This
is completely forgiven, through the
blood of Christ on the Cross, in
Confession (when we've become enemies
with God).
The second pertains to the discipline
God imposes on us to make us more
righteous and holy.
These two types of punishment are
best illustrated by going to the
encounter of David and Nathan the
Prophet (2 Samuel 12:1-15). This
is after David had adultery with
Bathsheba and killed her husband.
God forgave David's sin, telling
him he wouldn't die, but he still
punished him by striking his son
dead.
So there is some similarity between
karma and the Christian idea, but
only insofar as we experience suffering
for our sins in this life.
The purpose
is different and the underlying assumptions
and philosophy are different.
Eric
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