Hess, Lisa Maguire2009-01-272009-01-272004Hess, LM 2004, '"Toward a full fledged action theory from a perspective of musical transcendence"', Verbum et Ecclesia, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 519-533. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_verbum.html]1609-9982http://hdl.handle.net/2263/8709Practical theology as a discipline has struggled historically in the gaps between theory and practice, academy and church. A recognized scholar recently urged pursuit of "a full-fledged action theory" with a "perspective of transcendence" to move the discussion forward. Additionally, global conditions are such that we need practical reflection and action that reconciles communities and cultures. Accordingly, a neo-Parsonian action theory is sketched and music as a practical bridge between theory / practice is argued. Music offers a lens into the empirical faith life of a religious community even as it transcends and pulls that community into new ways of critically experiencing God in an intimate and possibly intercultural relationship of embodied song.enFaculty of Theology, University of PretoriaPractical theologyTheology, PracticalTranscendence (Philosophy)Action theoryMusic, Influence ofMusic -- Religious aspectsEmpirical theologyReligious communitiesReligion and cultureArticle