Social Networks and Early Development of Ong-Keng Presbyterian Church in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Min-Chen, Wang, 王旻臻
• Other Authors: Hsing-Kuang, Chao
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/21366661813084186048

碩士 === 東海大學 === 宗教研究所 === 98 === Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the establishment and early development of Ong-Keng Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, adopting the framework of social network theory. That is to say, to analyze the establishment and development process of Ong-Keng Church through social network of internal members to connect with tangible and intangible resources. The research scope is set from the establishment of the church in 1947 through to 1968, using a qualitative research method. The dates were set after in-depth interviews with important people who participated in the church during these twenty-two years and after collecting relevant literature. The aim is to reconstruct the early history of Ong-Keng Presbyterian Church. The analysis is divided into three parts：（1）Family networks link and the establishment of Ong-Keng Church ；（2）Extension of the church’s internal networks and the establishment of Cha-Uo Church；（3）The internal and external resources, and the development of Ong-Keng Church. The finding revealed that several extended families in Ong-Keng were related to the development of the church. This church developed close relationships with several families who provided resources for its establishment and development. In addition, members with geographical network who brought the human and material resources could become branches of this church. The essay concludes that linking of social networks is a major basis of membership and resources, and in promoting the establishment and development of new religious organizations.