Bono on Jesus

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/frankviola/bono-on-jesus/

But the way we would see it, those of us who are trying to figure out our Christian conundrum, is that the God of the Old Testament is like the journey from stern father to friend. When you’re a child, you need clear directions and some strict rules. But with Christ, we have access in a one-to-one relationship, for, as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament, on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal.

It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.

But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep s—. 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.

From my scripture studies as a child - yes, a very long time ago - I seem to remember that several aspects of the teachings of Jesus appeared to move the message away from judgement and sin and punishment towards love, sharing, tolerance and forgiveness. My advice: don't worry about being judged for past sins, just try to live up to that message of Christ (and I say that as someone who is not religious).

By the way, I often make the point that Karma is misunderstood. It is not "an eye for an eye", it has nothing to do with judgement or justice or retribution. Karma is simply balance in the sense that a negative can only be balanced by a positive. Karma is not imposed, it is generated by thoughts and actions. Those thoughts and actions have "weight" which tip the karmic scales.