Christianity and Korea

A Response to "The Structure and Social Functions of Korean Immigrant Churches in the United States"

by: Jonathan "Prince" Garcia

Korean immigrants coming to America, often found themselves in a new place where they did not know the culture or the language, like many other immigrant groups. The article describes how the Korean churches throughout America provided basic services to those immigrants in need. The positive thing that came from the assistance of the churches was that many of the immigrants were able to assimilate to the new American way of life, while still being able to hold onto what their cultural roots are. Ethnicity within the Korean churches was also key because it provided examples of how Christianity had been made to be adapted to numerous other cultures. Social status and mobility upwards was also key because many of the Korean immigrants were from well-to-do families who sought to continue that sort of lifestyle in America. Being that I am a Christian and also begrudgingly American, I believe that religious institutions should help provide services to immigrants so that they can better assimilate into the culture, while still being able to hold on to their culture and beliefs. 

Question: In what ways do Korean immigrants change their lives in order to assimilate within American society and culture?