Can you be christian and still believe in karma?

Answer 1

'Karma: Action and the fruit of one's actions: the law of moral causation by which one's present life is strongly affected by one's deeds in previous lives. Karma yoga - the way of works, is one of the three paths to liberation (moksha) in Hinduism. In Jainism, subtle matter that adheres to and tarnishes the soul, which thus acquires first a spiritual then a physical body, so establishing the cycle of births and deaths.'

The Bible contradicts karmic ideas even though it does state the general principle, 'Whatever a man is sowing, that he will also reap.' That, however, is subject to many things other than a person's own actions. The Bible book of Job shows satanic influences at work, plus God's sovereignty in allowing 'good' people to suffer bad things. He will test believers' integrity to see if they will still keep faith even when he appears to be contradicting his own word and promises (e.g. Abraham being asked to sacrifice his child of promise.)

For those Christians who have been deluded by New Age pick-and-mix religiosity, consider that if karma was true, then Christ must have been a really wicked person, unable to deliver himself from the consequences of his own sin and certainly unable to help you or I. Please check these Bible texts:

Ecclesiastes 9:11 Psalm 78:39 Luke 13:1-5 John 9:1-5 Romans 9:10-12 1 Corinthians 15:46-48 2 Cor 5:10 Hebrews 9:27

Answer 2

No, Christians should not believe in karma. God has allowed for peoples actions to reap their just rewards. Also, when following Gods will he works for the good of those people. Then when they go another path he punishes them directly or indirectly by letting the evil forces in that he had been keeping at bay. One could argue that this is the very definition of karma but the subtle diffence is God. Being good is not enough they must be following his will and in karma good is a relative term and can take many forms and accept many things God calls a sin.

Answer 3

Wow...this question always weighs on my mind...amazingly, I am not the only one who is on the same page as you are.

I've questioned God's forgiveness and what it stands for and if He forgives you of something, then why do we feel the need to think along the lines of karma or payback. Maybe it's a mental thing or perhaps a distraction. But, if you break it down, it sort of overshadows faith and forgiveness b/c God doesn't work that way. I think we keep karma alive ourselves, not b/c it's some spiritual thing in the universe that must happen in order for us to exist.

I'll have to say that karma isn't needed if God makes your enemies your footstools. A person would usually have mercy on someone who did them wrong opposed to a person who's always waiting on karma to do the job for them. It's consuming and mean.

But, I do believe that things happen for a reason. And each individual has their own lesson to learn.

Answer 4

You can believe that "as a man sows, so shall he reap" and that the Lord will reward people for doing good and punish people for doing wrong. But you can't believe in the traditional view of "karma".

http://www.greatcom.org/resources/areadydefense/

The word karma literally means action and refers to a person's actions and the consequences thereof. In Hinduism, one's present state of existence is determined by his performance in previous lifetimes. The law of karma is the law of moral consequence, or the effect of any action upon the performer in a past, present or even future existence. As one performs righteous acts, he moves toward liberation from the cycle of successive births and deaths.

Contrariwise, if one's deeds are evil, he will move further from liberation. The determining factor is one's karma. The cycle of births, deaths and rebirths could be endless.

Answer 5

The Law of Karma is in the Christian Bible

"As you sow so shall you reap"
Job 4:8 –Galations 6:7 ,

Answer 6

You can call yourself "Christian" it seems and believe anything you want. Like there's a standard anymore....

However, a true Christian won't believe so much in "Karma" as much as the scientific fact that we are made of energy and dust. Energy never dies, so therefore, whatever energy we express adds to the energy in the universe. Like attracts like, and "whatever a man is reaping he shall also sow."

So in a way, we get what we give. But Karma alludes to the idea that God/greater power is responsible for this when the bible clearly states that many factors play into what happens to us in life.

God (blessings and a certain amount of protection)
the Devil and his system of things (demons do persecute people)
time and unforseen occurance (IE chance)
and ourselves (what we throw out can come back to us)

Answer 7

Why not? When an Indian, who is Hindu by birth, but later got converted to Christianity would marry according to the auspicious time and date according to Hindu calendar, observe all religious formalities, although not so openly as if he were a Hindu. He would look for a good day, as per the Hindu calendar, before doing something important.
He would also believe in Karma. Because the God has changed for him, it does not mean that he himself has not changed.

Answer 8

Yes, but Christians don't call it karma, but believe it's God's timing, blessings and justice.

Answer 9

Christians do believe in Karma, though they may not call it that. They believe that bad things (curses) happen to those who do bad and that good things (blessings) come to those who do good.

Answer 10

Instant Karmas gonna get you.