Okyun Kwon

Kwon discusses the role of religion in assimilation among Korean Buddhists and Protestants, finding that non-religious variables play a greater role and that religion can be a barrier to assimilation.

Kwon explores how Korea’s two major religious groups, Buddhists and Protestants, have emigrated and how their religious beliefs affect their adjustments after immigration. Kwon bases his study on a survey of 114 Korean congregations, participatory observation of a Buddhist temple and a Protestant church, and in-depth interviews with 109 devout immigrants. He finds that non-religious variables—urban background, educational level, and social class—have a greater effect on adjustment to the host society than religion does. Religious congregations promote members’ social capital for adjustment, but at the same religious participation serves as a barrier to assimilation.

Table of Contents

1. Immigration Waves and Ethnic Chrch Growth
2. Demographic Profiling of Korean Immigrants in New York City
3. Reasons for the Rapid Increase of Korea's Christian Population
4. Why are there More Protestants in the Korean Community?
5. Buddhist Temple and Protestant Church: A Comparison of Congregation Formation, Service, and Ritual
6. Organizational Structure of Churches and Temples
7. Religious Leaders Preaching and Pastoral Emphases
8. Religio-Social Functions of Churches and Temples
9. Religious Profiling of Buddhists and Protestants
10. Economic Aspects of Life of Buddhists and Protestants
11. Cultural, Political, and Social Aspects of Life
12. Religious Beliefs of Buddhists and Protestants and Immigration
13. Conclusion
    
Appendices
References
Index