Masihi Dharm Me Karm Ki Manyata - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Masihi Dharm me Karm ki Manyata" (The Concept of Karma in Christianity) by A.B. Shivaji, based on the provided pages:

This text explores the concept of karma within Christianity, contrasting it with its understanding in Hinduism and Jainism, and examining criticisms from Western scholars.

Core Concepts of Karma in Indian Religions:

Universality: The concept of karma is accepted across various religions, but its interpretation varies.
Primacy: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism give significant importance to karma, linking it directly to the principle of reincarnation.
Liberation: For these religions, the ultimate goal (moksha, nirvana, kevalya) is liberation from the cycle of karma.
Cause and Effect: Karma is understood as the fundamental principle of action and consequence, a cycle that is eternal. Actions are categorized as good and bad, reflecting the principle of "what you sow, you shall reap."

Karma in Christianity:

Acknowledgement of Karma: Christianity does acknowledge the principle of karma, as stated by Paul: "He will repay each one according to what they have done" (Romans 2:6) and "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7).
Role of an Unseen Power: Unlike Jainism and Buddhism, which do not accept God's intervention in karma, Christianity posits that while humans perform actions, an unseen power (God, Lord, etc.) judges them and dispenses consequences.
Emphasis on Faith and Grace: A key distinction in Christianity is the emphasis on faith and God's grace, received through Jesus Christ, alongside karma. Salvation is not solely achieved through actions.

Differences in the Concept of Karma between Hinduism and Jainism:

Nature of Karma: Hindus believe karma is formless (amurt), while Jains consider karma to be tangible, having a form that causes hurt or benefit.
Remembrance of Past Deeds: Hindus attribute the forgetting of past-life karma to "maya" (illusion). Jains, however, believe it's due to "ajnana" (ignorance), which can be overcome through austerity and good deeds, leading to omniscience and remembrance of all past lives.

Criticisms of the Karma Doctrine by Western Scholars:

Farquhar: Views karma and reincarnation as creating a new doctrine that is essentially a moral principle of Hinduism, concerning birth and death.
Hogg: Questions whether the doctrine of karma provides moral satisfaction.
A.C. Bonquet: Considers the concept of karma as a principle of worldly justice to be reprehensible.
Dr. A.S. Theodore: Argues that the legalistic aspect of the karma doctrine leaves no room for mercy, repentance, forgiveness, or atonement for sins.
Sydney Cave: Critiques the karma doctrine by highlighting three points:
1. It makes the world worse, perpetuating the suffering of the disadvantaged (untouchables, lepers) whose good deeds will only bear fruit in future lives, disconnected from their current consciousness.
2. If karma is strictly followed, those suffering from afflictions (lepers, lame, blind) should be considered criminals for paying for past bad deeds.
3. The karma doctrine fails to connect past sins with present suffering due to the lack of memory and offers no hope of overcoming sin and evil through moral struggle.
Stephen Neill: Questions how Gandhi's assassination fits the doctrine, suggesting such a violent death should indicate grave sin if all misfortune is a fruit of past deeds.
An Indian Christian writer (cited): Questions whether Rama's acceptance of exile was due to his "prarabdha" (destined karma) or his mother Kausalya.

Karma in Christianity: Faith and Repentance:

Intertwined Concepts: Christianity emphasizes karma, faith, and repentance as crucial for salvation. No single concept is sufficient on its own.
James's Perspective: James emphasizes that humans are justified by both faith and works, stating that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). He seems to lean more towards the importance of works.
Paul's Perspective: Paul prioritizes faith over works, stating, "for by faith alone we are justified, not by observing the law" (Romans 5:1). He believes that human actions alone cannot achieve salvation, and one cannot boast in their deeds. Paul's conviction is that faith in Jesus Christ is the basis of life and salvation.
The "Righteous shall live by faith": This Pauline concept is central, asserting that divine righteousness is not achieved through the law but through faith.

Works of the Body and the Spirit in Christianity:

Uselessness of Faithless Deeds: The Bible views religious acts performed without faith as akin to "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).
Distinction between Body and Spirit: Paul distinguishes between the "works of the flesh" (immorality, idolatry, hatred, etc.) which lead to exclusion from God's kingdom, and the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), for which there is no law.

Works and God's Glory:

The text presents examples to illustrate how suffering can occur even for righteous individuals and that salvation can be achieved without prior good deeds, suggesting a complex interplay beyond simple karmic retribution:

Job: A righteous man who suffers greatly but does not blame God. His perseverance brings glory to God, illustrating that even amidst suffering, faith and integrity are paramount.
Man Born Blind: Jesus states that the man's blindness was not due to his or his parents' sin but so that the works of God might be displayed in him. This challenges the direct karmic explanation and highlights God's purpose. Christianity does not believe in reincarnation in this context.
Lazarus: Jesus states Lazarus's illness was "not to death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." This again points to divine purposes beyond immediate karmic consequences.
The Thief on the Cross: One of the thieves crucified with Jesus, despite a life of sin, is promised paradise by Jesus for his plea. This exemplifies salvation through faith and repentance at the end of life, irrespective of past karmic debt.

These examples suggest that individuals in Christianity do not necessarily suffer for past lives' karma, nor are they solely responsible for them.

Karma and Grace in Christianity:

Primacy of Grace: Christianity places immense importance on grace alongside karma, viewing it as the means of salvation. Without God's grace, karma is considered futile.
Salvation by Grace Through Faith: The text emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God's grace through faith, not earned by works, to prevent boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Grace Enables Righteousness: Sanctification and purity in life are achieved through grace. Paul asserts that if righteousness were through the law, Christ's death would have been in vain (Galatians 2:21).
Irrevocable Grace: Grace cannot be purchased or earned through righteous deeds. It is bestowed upon those who obey God.
Life's Wages vs. God's Gift: The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). Salvation is through God's mercy, the washing of rebirth, and renewal by the Holy Spirit, not by our own righteous deeds (Titus 3:5).

Conclusion:

In Christianity, while karma is acknowledged, grace holds paramount importance. God's love for humanity, manifested as grace, is the path to salvation. Grace is not a magical influence but is embodied in Jesus Christ himself. Therefore, Christianity presents a confluence of karma (actions), faith, and grace.