AboutMichael Clark, Ph.D. Expertise I’d prefer to answer questions for those who feel they don't easily fit into any of the existing methods, moulds or patterns usually associated with Christian mysticism. I am aware of historical approaches and may comment on these. But in the 21st century, many feel the need for new ways of relating to the Holy Spirit. Ways that are in sync and integrated with what's happening in the world today. Along these lines, I can help with the interface of mysticism, psychology, society and organized religion (especially Catholicism).
Experience I've explored several different Christian denominations and am interested in their respective strengths and weaknesses. I've also been studying connections among Christians, other religions and beliefs in "the beyond" at my educational website earthpages.org and at my blog michaelwclark.com.
Education/Credentials Ph.D. in Religious Studies M.A. in Comparative Religion B.A. Hon. in Psychology/Sociology For details, please see my CV and letters of recommendation
Publications Print Media:
Portions of my online article "Religions and Cults" will be reprinted with permission in the upcoming edition of Core Concepts in Sociology by Dr. Bruce Ravelli et. al.
http://wps.prenhall.com/ca_ph_lindsey_coreconcep_1/0,10463,2028707-,00.html
World Wide Web:
My online article "Letter to God" coauthored with practicing Buddhist monk, E. Raymond Rock, appears on several different spirituality-based websites.
My articles have been reprinted at New View magazine nuvunow.ca and published at my educational website earthpages.org.
Expert: Michael Clark, Ph.D. Date: 5/24/2008 Subject: Do we ever pay for what we've done on earth?
Question Hiya Michael
I've been reading some of the Q&A on here and I'm afraid mine may seem a little naive in comparison, but as we'll probably never meet, I think I can handle the embarrassment.
I sincerely believe in an after-life; what form it takes I leave to those far more learned and qualified than I.
I've always been lead to believe that we must make amends or at the very least take responsibility for what we do here on earth after we move on. I certainly hope that its true because I cannot believe God could allow the evil that some men do to get ignored or forgotten about.
In a far minor way (in comparison) I feel I've suffered a monumental injustice, one that has certainly changed my life, if not completely ruined it.
Please don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining, whingeing or anything like that but it would come as a slight relief to know that those at fault must justify themselves at some point with retribution following if it's found necessary.
I don't claim to be perfect, far from it, but I've always stopped far short of deliberately causing pain and suffering to anyone. I may well have done in the past but if so it was certainly unintended.
The enormity of this injustice is, I believe, a deliberate attack on my honesty and integrity and has completely ostricised me from the family I loved so much and would do anything for.
I can't claim to be 100% certain, as with anyone else, I could be wrong, but in the event that I'm right, I've had to suffer indignity, solitude and loneliness for a very long time and expect to until I die.
Just to know that God knows what I'm going through and has plans to make those responsible pay for what they've done may bring some slight comfort.
Thank you Michael.
Yours,
Dave Crew
Answer Dave, I think we all go through certain injustices and wonder what the heck the Lord is up to. After many years I've come to see it this way--we have a lower nature and a higher one. The lower wants revenge, the higher forgives and understands. Since we're all imperfect there's a bit of a flip flop between the two. The process of history is the melding of these forces, their interaction among individuals, groups and nations.
My humble advice is to (a) remember that you are uncertain and (b) even if you're right, try to understand what forces might have been acting on the one (or ones) who hurt you.
I believe that God loves everyone and also understands everyone perfectly. So although we may despise some individual and everything they stand for, God has a more comprehensive view. And God loves that person too and wants to save them from hell.
Oh yes, I believe in justice. But it might not always appear until souls reach the other side, as it were.
To this effect I recall a Sikh taxi driver once saying to me, "Justice is pure on the other side" (sometimes taxi drivers are pretty wise).
But in the meantime, for your own happiness and success, I would work on getting past the hurt and pain of being wronged. There are scientific studies suggesting that forgiveness (real forgiveness) promotes healing, whereas bearing a grudge eats away at your health.
Perhaps it's not always easy to forgive. But it's a goal worth working on. Only then can we really move on, IMHO.
