The concept of Karma is tied into reincarnation. We may be reaping the consequences of our behavior and actions in other lifetimes, not only this one. This lifetime is an opportunity to clean it all up. Most Europeans have not included reincarnation as a central concept to the meaning of life and the immortal soul. It is a concept that has come out of Eastern religious thought.
Jewish and Christian holy literature, upon which European ethics are based, places more emphasis on getting it right this time around. It is presumed to be our only lifetime and we are punished or rewarded according to how we follow the holy word. We can also be rewarded by grace or by our demonstration of faith.
Yet in spite of this denial of reincarnation, in Matthew 17: 10–14, it appears that Jesus is telling people that John the Baptist is the reincarnation of the prophet Elijah. He says:
Here are just a few examples:
Isaiah:
“Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him.”
Galatians:
“. . . for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
Proverbs:
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.”
“Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.”
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.”
“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”
Matthew:
“. . .whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
“Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Romans:
“. . .never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Hosea:
“For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”
Colossians:
“For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”
Ecclesiastes:
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”
Psalms:
“His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.”
Job:
As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.
Jewish and Christian holy literature, upon which European ethics are based, places more emphasis on getting it right this time around. It is presumed to be our only lifetime and we are punished or rewarded according to how we follow the holy word. We can also be rewarded by grace or by our demonstration of faith.
Yet in spite of this denial of reincarnation, in Matthew 17: 10–14, it appears that Jesus is telling people that John the Baptist is the reincarnation of the prophet Elijah. He says:
- 10 “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist. . . .
- 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come.
Here are just a few examples:
Isaiah:
“Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him.”
Galatians:
“. . . for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
Proverbs:
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.”
“Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.”
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.”
“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”
Matthew:
“. . .whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
“Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Romans:
“. . .never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Hosea:
“For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”
Colossians:
“For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”
Ecclesiastes:
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”
Psalms:
“His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.”
Job:
As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.
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