The optics of homiletics : preaching as reframing of perspective
Date
2012-02
Authors
Cilliers, Johan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
Johan Cilliers was born in Luanshya, Zambia (1954); matriculated in De Aar (1972),
and received his theological training at the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch
University, as well as the Karl Rupprecht University in Heidelberg, Germany. He
has obtained the following degrees: DTh Theology, Stellenbosch University (SU)
1982; Licentiate in Theology, SU 1979 (cum laude); MTh Theology, SU 1979 (cum
laude); BTh Theology, SU 1978 (cum laude), and BA Philosophy and Greek, SU 1975
(cum laude). After having served as minister in two Dutch Reformed congregations
(in Durban and Stellenbosch), he was appointed as senior lecturer at the Faculty
of Theology, Stellenbosch University, and is currently professor of Homiletics and
Liturgy at this institution.
He is head of the Department of Practical Theology and Missiology at the Faculty; president
of the Society for Practical Theology in South Africa, as well as vice-president of the Societas
Homiletica (the international society for Homiletics). He has delivered guest lectures at the
University of Umea, Sweden, as well as the Humboldt University, Germany, and has written nine
academic books, inter alia on preaching, liturgy and aesthetics. He has co-authored two books
with international scholars, respectively on the foolishness of preaching (with American author
Charles Campbell) and worshipping in the so-called ‘Network Society’ (with Dutch author Marcel
Barnard). He has published more than 60 academic articles in accredited journals, and authored
23 popular religious books, for which he has received numerous awards from the Christian
Booksellers Association of Southern Africa (CBSA).
He has received the Rector’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2003), the Best Lecturer Award
from the Golden Key International Society and SU’s Academic Affairs Council (2008), as well as the
Rector’s Award for Excellence in Research (2010). As researcher, he holds a National Research
Foundation (NRF) rating and has received grants from the Harry Oppenheimer Memorial Trust as
well as the SU Research Committee. He is fond of languages (speaks German and studies French
among others) and enjoys dabbling in art.1 He is married to Elna, and is the (very proud) father of
twins, Jacques and Karen.
Description
Inaugural lecture delivered on 21 February 2012.
Keywords
Homiletics
Citation
Cilliers, J. 2012. The optics of homiletics : preaching as reframing of perspective. Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, South Africa.