Dear COA Family,
In recent conversations with unbelievers, I have been asked about my view on “karma.” Even my uncle, who is a believer, once asked, “How do I make sense of karma in my life?”
These questions led me to reflect on the influence and implications of this belief.
Simply put, karma refers to the idea that every action — whether physical, verbal or mental — produces a corresponding result, either in this life or in future lives. It is rooted in religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
This belief can encourage certain positive behaviours. People may refrain from harmful actions or seek to do good, motivated by the expectation of future rewards or punishments. Others may take personal responsibility for their lives, recognising that their choices have consequences, and are therefore less inclined to blame others.
However, there are also dangers in embracing this worldview.
Firstly, it can lead to judgmentalism. People may assume that suffering is always the direct result of personal wrongdoing, concluding that individuals deserve their circumstances.
We see a similar mindset in John 9, where Jesus’ disciples asked concerning a blind man: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). Jesus corrected their understanding: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).
Suffering, therefore, is not always a direct consequence of personal sin.
Secondly, belief in karma can lead to fatalism. People may feel trapped by their past actions — even those from a supposed “past life” — and believe they cannot change their destiny. Their hope is then deferred to a better rebirth rather than transformation in the present.
Yet Scripture offers a very different hope: “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38–39).
In Christ, we are not bound by an unchangeable cycle of cause and effect. Instead, we are invited into a new life marked by forgiveness, transformation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This promise is not limited; it is extended to all.
Let us therefore place our full trust in God, who is Lord over our lives, and hold firmly to His promises alone.
God bless,
Revd Ian