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Atheists & Agnostics

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Duppers

(28,260 posts)
Sat Dec 2, 2017, 02:23 PM Dec 2017

Anyone else dislike the use of the word "karma"? [View all]

Last edited Sat Dec 2, 2017, 05:31 PM - Edit history (1)

There is no such thing as a cosmic-like karma. I differentiate between karma and experiencing the final results of one's actions. One is final consequences and the other woo-woo, imo.

Once had a so-called atheist tell me she "believes in karma."
By doing something good, even tho no one knew, she thought she'd be repaid in some way. I told her, "Yep, but only because it makes you feel good and that you, in some minute way, might reap the benefits of having the planet be a better place. It's not that there's some magically force keeping track that will enact some cosmic quid pro quo for good or bad behavior."

Thoughts?




Edited to add:

Folks, karma is when one has done good things, then suddenly wins the lottery or has some other good fortunate and then attributes that winning or good fortunate (or misfortunate) to karma.

If the word were used without any metaphysical connotation, then I could accept its use but most often that isn't the case at all. It's not a synonym for common cause and effect.

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I had a Zen Master tell me janterry Dec 2017 #1
Then I agree with this wise Zen Master. Duppers Dec 2017 #5
American buddhists janterry Dec 2017 #8
I would have to concede that point True Dough Dec 2017 #2
You defined the difference Duppers Dec 2017 #10
Being an atheist, I too dislike the definition and word Karma. DangerousUrNot Dec 2017 #3
Thank you! To me, believing in karma is ... Duppers Dec 2017 #9
Haha DangerousUrNot Dec 2017 #11
Good people do good... Duppers Dec 2017 #4
As an Atheist, I don't believe in karma. Mr.Bill Dec 2017 #6
😂 Duppers Dec 2017 #7
I dont mind it at all. I live it actually... Guilded Lilly Dec 2017 #12
That belief is personally empowering. Duppers Dec 2017 #14
Many thanks :) I lurk a bit here and will continue my spirits enlightenment 😎 Guilded Lilly Dec 2017 #15
Believe it or not.. Duppers Dec 2017 #18
If you really know Harris Brainstormy Dec 2017 #31
Wow. I wish I could describe myself with such clarity and grace. Ferrets are Cool Dec 2017 #30
This message was self-deleted by its author left-of-center2012 Dec 2017 #13
Indeed I am!! Duppers Dec 2017 #16
And, btw, it's their belief, not "they're." Duppers Dec 2017 #17
Oh looky ... left-of-center2012 Dec 2017 #21
Pay It Forward Bayard Dec 2017 #19
I like to practice "paying it forward." Duppers Dec 2017 #20
I don't object to karma. I think of it as consequences you set up by you own actions. Binkie The Clown Dec 2017 #22
I like that definition! Duppers Dec 2017 #23
Wrong, Duppers. Karma is what we used to call taking a bit of your own medicine. Nitram Dec 2017 #24
I agree with you DavidDvorkin Dec 2017 #25
As many iconic atheists have also pointed out... Duppers Dec 2017 #26
Cool. DavidDvorkin Dec 2017 #28
King borrowed it from Theodore Parker PassingFair Dec 2017 #34
Thanks DavidDvorkin Dec 2017 #36
I personally like the instant kind-- thucythucy Dec 2017 #27
Duppers Dec 2017 #29
I don't dislike the word Brainstormy Dec 2017 #32
I wish that were its common meaning/usage. Duppers Dec 2017 #33
I believe that there can be a ripple effect from good or bad deeds. PassingFair Dec 2017 #35
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