Seems that My Name is Earl is making a big impression on America. The pop Bhuddist show is all about karma- thru the eyes of poor white trash. And I am weary of hearing bloggers and reporters toss out the term.
I do believe in the God of providence. There is a connection between reaping and sowing, though it is imperfect. It is not impersonal forces that bring about what comes to pass, but God who works all things out according to His purpose. Some might say, who cares about basketball. A friend once asked that just before Kevin McHale improbably hit a 3 pointer to win a game. McHale took about 3 in his career.
If not a sparrow falls apart from his will, neither does a ping-pong ball drop. Where these men will live, and whom they will meet etc. are important matters. They depend upon the drop of a ping-pong ball.
Karma is driven by a sense of justice. Providence certainly includes justice. But God determines what shall come to pass based on His wisdom, love, mercy, etc. as well.
For fun, here is Bono on Karma vs. Grace:
Bono: 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.
Assayas: I’d be interested to hear that.
Bono: That’s between me and God. 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.
Cavman Considers 
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