Mediated Faith Coping with COVID-19: A Case Study of a Megachurch in South Korea

Abstract

Abstract:While the Republic of Korea coped well with COVID-19 prior to the development of the vaccines, the major outbreaks of the virus in the country were largely caused and/or facilitated by several controversial Christian groups. There have also been many cases of smaller local churches spreading the virus due to their refusal to follow the government's guidelines for religious gatherings. Meanwhile, major Korean media outlets have mostly focused on cases of uncooperative churches with the short disclaimer 'the majority of Protestant churches are following the rules.' What kind of experiences did those 'cooperative' churches have to go through then? This paper is a micro in-depth case study which explores a megachurch in South Korea that has supported the government's safety measures. It pays particular attention to the church's struggles, perceived challenges and positive discoveries while practicing what can be called 'online Christianity.' It concludes with some theological questions to reflect upon for future Protestant Christianity in a time when religion may always have to be ready to be practiced in a highly technologically mediated fashion.