The Diffusion of Christianity in South Korea - by Ryan Klejment-Lavin and Jamie N. Sanchez

Abstract

Missiologists have long lauded the church in South Korea as an example of explosive church growth. In less than 100 years, Christianity in South Korea grew from a nearly non-existent religion into one with a strong presence. The growth of Christianity can be viewed as a unique cultural change event. This article uses Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory and Hunter’s theory of culture change to explain the growth of Christianity in Korea. The authors posit that Christianity grew in response to various historical events in which the introduction, persecution, and reemergence of the faith emerged.