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Both sin and karma operate as a type of moral motivation within their respective religious traditions. Within Christianity, sin is deeply tied to questions of the fallenness of human nature and the presence of evil in the world. In Jainism, by contrast, a person’s true nature is that of the naturally omniscient and blissful soul, which is obscured by karmic bondage. This karma itself functions simply according to causal principles. Despite these differences, both sin and karma serve as vital drivers of moral behavior. Overall, this exercise in comparative hamartiology opens up a space for interesting conversation and points toward avenues for further engagement.

Read Quentin's full essay in Volume 1, Issue 1 of Samyak: An Undergraduate Journal of Jain Studies.