| This research is an historiographic study of the early Protestant church in Korea from 1884 to 1910. The purpose of the research is to inquire in what ways, and under what conditions, the introduction of Christianity influenced social transformation in Korea between 1884 and 1910. This research is an effort to examine social transformation brought about by the introduction of Christianity.; The research findings led to certain conclusions. Many of the early missionaries carried out medical work that was motivated by charity and evangelism. Through medical work, missionaries won opportunities to communicate with Korean people. Before the introduction of Christianity, Korean society was riddled with superstition that had grown out of earlier religions, and unenlightened practices due to spiritual blindness. As Christianity influenced Korean society, these practices were dismissed and abolished. The introduction of Christianity also enhanced the rights of women. Before the missionaries came into Korea, the status of women was very low because of the influence of Confucianism. The schools that were established by missionaries awakened Koreans to understand that education could develop their worldview and social value system. The translation of the Bible not only played a role for Korean believers' indigenization of Christianity in Korea, but also, contributed to the development of the modern Korean language. The missionaries' emphasis on the Bible Class illuminated the believers' understanding of the Word of God and increased literacy among the general population. Literate believers could then attain leading positions in society so that they could fulfill in society biblical ideals. Through the Great Revival movement in 1907, Korean believers began to strive for a higher level of morality. Their godly lives impacted Korean society.; Through education, medical work, translation of the Bible, development of self-supporting churches, and revivals, feudalistic views and ideas of Korean society slowly began to break apart. Building on the foundation of Christian principles, Korean society was able to develop democracy, modernization, and social morality. Today, however, the social morality of Korean society has disintegrated considerably, but the Korean church has not been strong enough to challenge it. There may be lessons for the church of today from the faith and life of the early Korean Church. |
