This course invites you to explore Western understandings of evil. What and whom do we call “evil,” and why? How have Jews, Christians and Muslims — and scholars interested in those traditions — conceptualized evil? In what ways have ideas about evil changed and remained the same over the centuries? Besides, the word karma, like the word evil, is often used without understanding. Karma is not fate, nor is it some cosmic justice system. In Buddhism, there is no God to direct karma to reward some people and punish others. It is just cause and effect. This course is also designed to stimulate discussion about karma to see if the doctrine of karma is a solution to the problem of innocent suffering in the world.