On the Front Lines of a Religious Cold War: The Korean War and Transforming Protestantism in Korea

Abstract

<p>This article examines South Korea’s centrality to a global religious Cold War. But rather than focusing on a struggle between “Christian” and “communist” forces, this work highlights the friction and struggles that arose among Protestant organizations. The Korean War precipitated a humanitarian crisis that drew the attention of Protestant organizations around the globe. Partially motivated by a desire to succor Korean Christian communities devastated by the conflict, a diverse group of faith-based organizations from Western nations flocked to South Korea. This influx of personnel and aid had a transformative impact on the practice and appearance of Protestantism in the country, challenging the long-held domination of the major mission societies from the United States. These societies struggled to maintain their position with associated organizations like Church World Service and the World Council of Churches; newly arrived faith-based humanitarian aid organizations; and a growing cohort of more evangelically oriented personnel. </p>