Whether they are historically true or fictional, texts are not only informative, but are drivers of ideological change for their target audience, compelling their readers to adopt new behaviours such as morals and good ethical conduct.
Shedding light on these texts at the North-West University (NWU) is Prof Risimati Hobyane, a senior lecturer in Greek and New Testament studies from the School of Ancient Languages and Text Studies at the Faculty of Theology.
His research focuses on the literary analysis of ancient texts and how they may have functioned to challenge the religious status quo or ideologies in the world of the first readers. “Their practical lessons and teachings also serve to challenge contemporary readers, particularly African readers, to interrogate their own environments and social ills,” he says.
Prof Hobyane, who is also a research director in the research focus area for Ancient Texts: Text, Context and Reception, specialises in Johannine writings and Septuagint studies, and holds two doctoral degrees in these two areas of his research focus.
The Johannine writings are the collection of New Testament works that are traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, John the Evangelist or to the Johannine community.
The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, known to Christians as the Old Testament, and studies entail dealing with translated literature, which requires an appropriate methodology.
“My research is aimed at analysing ancient texts and how they can possibly influence change in society. It is my academic duty to analyse Biblical texts in such a way that the reader can know and understand what is meant and needed from them by the text in question.”
He says that his field of expertise falls under narratological pragmatics. This is a specialised field of study that focuses on how texts engage and invite readers to take part in them as they read them. A thorough and responsible analysis of Biblical texts plays a significant role in encouraging the understanding of the Bible in communities, he adds.
New field or expansion?
“I am expanding on the works of others, as the field of pragmatics has a long history. For example, in my second PhD thesis, I have taken the idea of analysing the performativity of literary devices in the Fourth Gospel. This was initially studied by my supervisor, Prof Jan van der Watt, the author of the book, An Introduction to the Johannine Gospel and Letters.”
Prof Hobyane is also a pastor, and he views his work in the church as an extension of his community engagement, which is something that the NWU encourages.
“The two spheres of expertise of being a pastor in a church and a researcher who analyses texts are complementary. I interact with the text every day for academic publications and go out into the community to preach it.”
He sees his research as making a positive contribution in the Faculty of Theology, whose mission is to impact communities by preparing graduates holistically with relevant Biblical knowledge and skills.
In addition to being a researcher and a minister of religion, Prof Risimati Hobyane is a passionate athlete who has completed many marathons and participated in several Comrades Marathons.
