The more general and, perhaps, more correct notion of karma is dependent causation, which means that everything what we are is caused by our actions - thoughts,

The more general and, perhaps, more correct notion of karma is dependent causation, which means that everything what we are is caused by our actions - thoughts, deeds, desires (including those in past lives.)) This concept, considered broadly, eliminates any kind of external, super-human forces, including deities and gods. It also opens the path for changes in oneself (a way to enlightenment) due to lack of any other obstacles but ones own mind. Our own actions is only part of the big notion, and of course, according to ancient teachings, "good" and "bad" doesn't exist outside ones mind, there are just actions and the objective reality, which just is.