DAVID YONGGI CHO AND INTERNATIONAL PENTECOSTAL/ CHARISMATIC MOVEMENTS
In: Journal of Pentecostal Theology
Author: Myung Soo Park1
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Online Publication Date: 01 Jan 2003
Abstract
Yoido Full Gospel Church of David Yonggi Cho is the world's largest church, and naturally Cho deserves attention from scholars for his work. Some claim that his work and theology are related to the shamanism of Korean culture because Cho emphasizes healing and blessings. However, his messages on healing and blessings originate from the American Pentecostal/Charismatic movements rather than from Korean shamanism. Therefore, one should consider that Cho's work is part of a process of spreading the American Pentecostal movements in Korea rather than one of shamanizing the Christian gospel.
Cho has kept relationships with missionaries (especially Pentecostal ones) more than with other pastors in Korea. He was an associate to Pentecostal missionaries in the beginning. However, the foreign Pentecostals and Charismatics have become Cho's friends, helping his ministry to globalize. Through his fellowship with foreigners, he has been able to discover recent trends of the Pentecostal/ Charismatic movements and apply them to his ministry in Korea.
