I always tell people, especially intellectuals with knowledge of modern science, that they can refuse to believe everything if they want; but they should keep an inquisitive mind so that it would drive them to seek for answers. But they cannot refuse to believe in the law of cause and effect because this is the law of Science, no doubts about that. The law of karma which Buddha has taught us is most profound and enlightening; not for fortune telling or forecasting misfortune. If one is to dwell on such to explain the law of karma, then one has gone to the wrong path of Fatalism. Sadly, most people start to doubt the law of cause and effect when faced with adversity in life, this is not just being short-sighted but also ignorance.

-- Venerable Yen Pei