Introduction
In the second century of our common era Theodotus a certain Christian theologian, wrote these following questions:
"Now it is not merely the washing which liberates, but also the knowledge of who we were, and what we have become, where we were or where we are now? Into what place have we been cast? From what we have been redeemed? What is birth? What is rebirth?"
Excerpta ex Theodoto (78.2)
These direct questions neither lose their value after two thousand years of history, nor can they be limited to just one religion: Christianity. In their wisdom, they encourage us to re-examine our understanding of our origin, our destiny, our current culture.
But that examination is not just a single act of reflection on our place under the sun, done once in our lifetime. On the contrary: it is an ongoing process.
In the light of these words it is hard to be satisfied with the personal answers that we may have given perhaps ten years ago, or when we achieved an academic degree. We have to review our answers in relation to our most recent self-understanding and the core-values which are our ethical priorities today. They may differ from what we believed a decade ago.
But it is only through the life which acknowledges transition that we are able to appreciate the richness of our human existence, including our faith and, if that is the case, our personal engagement into religious values. As life is never static, no day similar, no experience the same, in this dynamic reality we may grow in maturity as human beings. Therefore transition, transformation or conversion (‘change of mind’ - if you wish) is a welcome sign which draws our attention.
The current issue of Open Theology wishes to highlight the value of transition, providing our Readers with just a few examples of reflection on its psychological, socio-cultural and religion-theological content. If, as a reader, you wish to respond to our voices, please send us your views and comments. Wherever you are from we welcome your voice, comments and letters.
Revd Dr Piotr Ashwin-Siejkowski
The Founding-Editor
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