The effect of traditional religions upon church growth in Korea

Abstract

This dissertation is organized into five chapters. The initial chapter outlines the research. First, the statement of purpose is addressed to delineate the research objectives. Second, the background of the research is described by focusing on the author's interest in the subject and a brief sketch of Korean religious culture. Third, the dissertation's methodology is explained. Finally, introduction to Korea is expressed.

The second chapter examines the history of Korean Protestant Christianity. Even though the country's history of Protestant Christianity is short, it is studied thoroughly by focusing on how rapidly the church has grown chronologically. This chapter is separated into three parts: the successful beginning period, period of trial, and rapid church-growth period.

The third chapter deals with the traditional religions of Korea: shamanism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. The writer will examine the religious climate of the country while dealing with the history of each Korean religion, and the influence of each religion on the Korean people and culture.

The fourth chapter examines contextualization. It addresses its definition, and biblical and historical perspective; the relationship between culture and contextualization; and the difference between syncretism and contextualization.

The fifth chapter is the main focus of this dissertation. It analyzes the influences of traditional Korean religions on rapid church growth in the country. This chapter also examines the negative influences of traditional Korean religions contributing to syncretistic Christian sects in Korea.