GRACE & KARMA

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…the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma. 2005 ー Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas

[Christ’s death] should keep us humbled… It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven. 2005 ー Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas

It's a powerful idea, grace. It really is. And... we hear so much of karma and so little of grace. Every religion teaches us about karma and, well, what you put out you will receive. And even Christianity, which is supposed to be about grace, has turned... redemption into good manners, or the right accent, or... good works or whatever it is. I just can't get over grace ー (it's) so hard to find. October 18, 2001 ー "U2 Plans To Bring Grace To The Concert For New York City" by Gary Graff (Launch.com)

I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace. You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics ー in physical laws ー every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “As you reap, so you will sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed… I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep shit. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity. 2005 ー Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas
 
Psalm 40 is interesting in that it suggests a time in which grace will replace karma, and love will replace the very strict laws of Moses (in other words, fulfil them). I love that thought. David, who committed some of the most selfish as well as selfless acts, was depending on it. That the scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers and mercenaries used to shock me. Now it is a source of great comfort. 1999 ー Selections from the Book of Psalms (Introduction by Bono) ー Pocket Canons​

I wasn't looking for grace, but luckily grace was looking for me. November 3, 2005 ー Interview with Jann Wenner (Rolling Stone)

See Themes
Grace