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The Law of Karma |
Bible quotations that are used to counter karma
There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luk. 13,1-5
Comment: This quotation would appear to disprove the Law of Karma, as karma prescribes that all misfortunes are due to sins (bad deeds). But it is told in the quotation that the victims were not more sinful than the other Galileans. Isn't their ill fate then due to something else than the workings of karma?
Not necessarily, as this case can also be explained in the perspectives of karma. The mistake lies in interpreting all misfortunes as "bad karma". If seen from the perspective that we should have only one life, death is a catastrophe. But if seen from the perspective of reincarnation, death gives us a new start. When the soul no longer sees any possibilities for further development, it terminates the incarnation so that we can prepare for a new incarnation.
The quoted case could be explained by new possibilities arising in another area, and a whole group being reborn there. Thus the case by no means disproves of karma, but on the contrary, shows how karma can give rise to new possibilities for evolution .
It is also a common misinterpretation of karma that if a person is severely handicapped, this is necessarily due to great sinfulness in previous lives. Sinfulness is certainly a factor, but handicaps set limits and can thereby give possibilities for growth in very special directions. Handicaps are not indicators of a person's moral status, and they should not be seen as misfortunes. Handicapped persons have the same opportunities to live rich and meaningful lives as so-called healthy persons, if they accept the limits that their handicaps set. There is no general proportionality between health and happiness, as all entirely healthy persons should then be mirthful, which is not the case.
"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man who was blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." Joh. 9,1-3
Comment: This quotation does not either necessarily disprove the Law of Karma. This man has a very special fate that serves a higher purpose. Further, when the disciples ask, "Who did sin, this man, ...", this could indicate that they believe in reincarnation and karma.
"And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitude saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.." Matt. 9,1-8
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