PROF JOHAN CILLIERS
Photo: Engela Duvenage
What is your field of specialty, and could you please give a brief explanation of it?
My field of speciality has traditionally been called “homiletics and liturgy”, which is about preaching and worship. I have always understood this field as an inter-field, i.e. as taking place in the intersection(s) between practical theology, cultural hermeneutics, and aesthetics. Or, in other words: how the religious expressions represented in preaching and worship, are shaped by the cultures in which they are situated, as also expressed in art, music, dance, etc. - and vice versa, and how practical theology is shaped within these intersections.
How would you say does your research contribute to the concept of “research for impact”?
In a sense, it comes with the territory - practical theology is indeed intended to be practical, to be focused on lived, and living religion. The same is true for cultural hermeneutics and aesthetics. In this regard, my research hinges on the question: in what ways can theology (inclusive of Scripture and tradition) be significant, i.e. have an impact, on life?
What does attaining an A-rating mean to you professionally, and personally?
Obviously, it means a lot. For me, it symbolised a type of culmination of my life’s work, but also as an impetus to do what I do. I must add, however, that my intent was not so much to achieve certain levels of expertise, but rather to enjoy what I am doing. I often said research, for me, is like eating chocolates - not a tedious chore, on the contrary. So, the rating was like a particular good-tasting chocolate, adding to my (professional and personal) enjoyment of, and in, research!
What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the aspects that you find challenging?
To add to the above: in good research, I believe, there are always moments of discovery, lurking around every corner. Good research is much like going on a treasure hunt, not knowing exactly what, and when, you will find the gold nuggets. It is about the joy of discovery. What I found challenging, was all and everything that threatened to sabotage my joy of discovery - you could call that the red tape of joyless research.
What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give early-career researchers and those who are aspiring to become leaders in their respective research fields?
I was asked recently to contribute a chapter to a book with the title: Letters to a young Theologian. I suggested three pieces of advice: focus, freedom, and fun. Enough said.
What do you do for fun (apart from research!)?
I have an interest and do a bit of reading in genealogy and astronomy (who we are and where we come from, and where we are headed), and I do a bit of painting, as an aesthetic outlet and therapy. And, of course, walking my (most beautiful and highly intelligent) sheepdog.