Shamanistic Influences In Korean Pentecostal Christianity: An Analysis

Abstract

Spring 2000
By Jeremy Reynalds

Korean Christians tend to see Christianity as a path to material prosperity [sic]. That trait is a residue of shamanism, the native folk religion for centuries in Korea and other Northeast Asian countries.

In shamanism the shaman (a quasi medicine man or woman) is asked to intercede with the spirits to ensure one's health or business success. Many professing Christians contend that the gods of shamanism and the God of Christianity are kindred spirits.

In this research I will contend that there is a relationship between the gods of shamanism and Korean megachurch pastor PaulYonggi-Cho. I will propose that the relationship existing between shamanism and Cho is that they both seek to resolve a common human propensity (the desire to be well off) and that in so doing Cho makes his faith utilitarian, and that with the long history of shamanistic influence on the Korean culture there is thus a favorable environment created for the receiving of his message.