Grace over Karma -- Love, the Higher Law

Have you ever found yourself uttering the phrase "karma's gotta bite him in the ass" after acknowledging some wrongdoing of another? We sometimes assume we know how Divine Law is going to play out in a situation, and share in a concept of the Law of Cause and Effect that will result in an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (Ex. 21:24) scenario for those who commit errors or act harmfully.  Yet it should come as no surprise when these situations play out more favorably than expected, as they do in our own lives. Because we hold ourselves up to the same standards as we do for others (we may actually be harder on ourselves!) and so while we may be flinching, waiting for the other shoe to drop, often it never does, and we are grateful. 

Traditionally, Christianity has called this concept of things not turning out as negatively as we imagine mercy or favor. I prefer grace.  Mercy and favor carry with them the idea that we are separate from God and we have to work to get things from God. Grace, however, is an aspect of Divine Law which is a higher law than Cause and Effect. Jesus brought into our consciousness this concept of transcending the law. When we understand that God is unconditional Love, always available, and we allow ourselves to become aware of that Love already present, we can shift our consciousness from living in the lower law of karma into the higher law of Love, Grace. 

Eric Butterworth addressed this concept of Grace in his book Celebrate Yourself! (p. 127):

"Grace explains the inadequacy of the idea of 'karma,' the endless cycle of cause and effect. It is true that 'as you sow so do you reap.' Yet, God's desire to express completely through you and as you is so great that you never completely reap the harvest of error, and you always reap more than you sow. This is grace."

On pg. 129, EB explains that grace "...is not something to work for, to develop. It simply is." Grace is always working on our behalf to bring forth the highest good. As in the U2 song "Grace": "Grace finds goodness in everything." 

U2 frontman Bono expresses his view of Grace in this excerpt from the book Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas:

"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; in physical laws 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, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff."

Grace is when things turn out even better than expected, when the reality of your dream is brighter than the colors of your vision. In December 2011, I wrote my first graduate theology research paper, "U2 in a Unity Church: The Theology of U2 in Metaphysical Perspective." I remember affirming, "This is an A paper...and wouldn't it be cool if it was chosen for the Unity Institute Lyceum?" When the theme of Lyceum 2012 was announced in January as "The Church in the Future," I remembered my vision, yet I doubted, thinking it was too soon, I was a first year student and had never even been to a lyceum. It wasn't until they extended the submissions deadline that I applied. And I was so surprised to be accepted! Two days before I was to present my paper this past April, I was told that the other presenter in my hour backed out, and I had the whole hour to fill. It was in these last hours before the Lyceum that I discovered some of the richest insights I have found in the connection of U2 and Unity. And I remember thinking, "wouldn't it be cool to give this talk at Unity of NY someday?" I had no idea that that day would be this Sunday! Grace has brought forth great opportunities through this exploration of U2 and Unity, and sooner than I imagined. If you are in the NY area, I hope you will join me on Sunday for "Unity & U2: the Metaphysics of U2" at the 11am service at Unity of NY, at Symphony Space @ 95th & Broadway in NYC. We have Broadway's Bryce Ryness singing 3 of U2's greatest songs with the fabulous UNY band. Join us & rock out to the message of Unity!