Religion and Adaptation of Immigrants: The Case of Revival Meetings in Korean-American Churches

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate various aspects of revival meetings in Korean American churches. More specifically, this study examines the rituals, functions, and symbolism involved in the revival meetings. The data analyzed in this study were obtained from a series of participant observations. Revival meetings are organized by Korean American churches for the spiritual renewal and awakening of their members as well as for the promotion and maintenance of traditional Korean Protestantism. Findings suggest a dynamic feed back effect between the roles of Korean American churches, the social needs of Korean immigrants and their expectations from the church. The implications of the exclusive intra-ethnic group activities of immigrant churches, such as revival meetings, are discussed in the context of the adaptation of immigrant groups to American community life.