Overview

The First Protestant Martyr in Korea from Wales: The Life and Ministry of Robert Jermain Thomas explores the life and legacy of Robert Jermain Thomas, a Welsh missionary who played a pivotal role in the early Korean church. Despite facing historical misunderstandings and political distortions--especially during Japanese colonial rule and Cold War tensions--Thomas's contributions remain foundational. This book draws on previously unused primary sources to uncover his motivations, missionary strategies, and the broader historical context of his work in Wales, China, and Korea. It critically examines the myths and controversies surrounding his death during the General Sherman incident and reevaluates his status as Korea's first Protestant martyr. By tracing Thomas's journey from education to mission, the author offers a balanced and scholarly account that clarifies his true significance. This work not only sheds new light on Thomas's enduring theological and missiological impact but also invites readers to reconsider the history of Korean Christianity and its global connections. Perfect for scholars, church leaders, and readers interested in mission history, this book revives the story of a pioneering missionary whose legacy continues to influence the worldwide church.

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Reviews

""Thanks to Professor Hae-Seok, Yoo's meticulous research in Robert Jermain Thomas's native Wales, the Korean Church can now encounter the man behind the myth: Thomas, not merely a hero or distant figure, but a life of profound significance and reverence. At a time when the Korean Church longs for revival, this book allows us to see mission through Thomas's eyes and heart. It reminds today's Christians of their responsibilities, offering lessons of courage, faith, and dedication. This work stands as both a guide to renewed revival and a compass for thoughtful, mature mission. I wholeheartedly recommend it."" --Daniel Lee, Founding and Senior Pastor Emeritus, Global Mission Church ""The First Protestant Martyr in Korea from Wales presents a carefully researched and well-grounded account of early Protestant martyrdom in Korea. Drawing on previously unused sources from Thomas's Welsh homeland, Hae-Seok, Yoo traces the historical and ecclesial connections between Welsh Protestantism and emerging Korean Christianity. This study offers a concise yet meaningful contribution to both Korean and global church history."" --Young Min Kim, Adjunct Professor of Missiology, Chongshin University ""The Korean church has achieved extraordinary growth within Christianity's two-thousand-year history. Many scholars seek the origins of this spiritual flourishing. Echoing Tertullian's maxim, 'The church is founded upon the blood of martyrs, ' the Korean church stands upon the sacrifice of Robert J. Thomas. Commemorating his 160th anniversary, we proudly present his legacy globally. This monograph--reflecting Dr. Hae-Seok, Yoo's extensive research--provides critical insights for those investigating the foundations of Korean Christianity."" --Sung-Kyu Park, President, Chongshin University ""In The First Protestant Martyr in Korea from Wales, Professor Yoo invites us to read Thomas's martyrdom not merely as history but as a living call to North Korea mission today. The blood shed by the Taedong River became a seed of the gospel, and its debt still rests upon the Korean church. Grounded in careful scholarship, this book testifies that God will ultimately open a path for the gospel to the closed land."" --Kwang Min Ha, Director Professor, Graduate School of Korean Unification and Development, Chongshin University ""This book transports us 160 years back to the origins of Korean Christianity, re-illuminating the roots of our faith through the martyrdom of missionary Robert Jermain Thomas. Like a vivid documentary, it captures God's sovereignty and providence unfolding amidst the turbulence of modern Korean history. It offers a profound challenge to the Korean Church--born from the blood of martyrs--on how to repay the noble debt of the Gospel. I highly recommend this book to everyone who carries that same spiritual debt."" --Chang Young Lee, Senior Pastor, Wondang Church ""Thanks to Professor Hae-Seok, Yoo's meticulous research in Robert Jermain Thomas's native Wales, the Korean Church can now encounter the man behind the myth: Thomas, not merely a hero or distant figure, but a life of profound significance and reverence. At a time when the Korean Church longs for revival, this book allows us to see mission through Thomas's eyes and heart. It reminds today's Christians of their responsibilities, offering lessons of courage, faith, and dedication. This work stands as both a guide to renewed revival and a compass for thoughtful, mature mission. I wholeheartedly recommend it."" --Daniel Lee, Founding and Senior Pastor Emeritus, Global Mission Church ""The First Protestant Martyr in Korea from Wales presents a carefully researched and well-grounded account of early Protestant martyrdom in Korea. Drawing on previously unused sources from Thomas's Welsh homeland, Hae-Seok, Yoo traces the historical and ecclesial connections between Welsh Protestantism and emerging Korean Christianity. This study offers a concise yet meaningful contribution to both Korean and global church history."" --Young Min Kim, Adjunct Professor of Missiology, Chongshin University ""The Korean church has achieved extraordinary growth within Christianity's two-thousand-year history. Many scholars seek the origins of this spiritual flourishing. Echoing Tertullian's maxim, 'The church is founded upon the blood of martyrs, ' the Korean church stands upon the sacrifice of Robert J. Thomas. Commemorating his 160th anniversary, we proudly present his legacy globally. This monograph--reflecting Dr. Hae-Seok, Yoo's extensive research--provides critical insights for those investigating the foundations of Korean Christianity."" --Sung-Kyu Park, President, Chongshin University ""In The First Protestant Martyr in Korea from Wales, Professor Yoo invites us to read Thomas's martyrdom not merely as history but as a living call to North Korea mission today. The blood shed by the Taedong River became a seed of the gospel, and its debt still rests upon the Korean church. Grounded in careful scholarship, this book testifies that God will ultimately open a path for the gospel to the closed land."" --Kwang Min Ha, Director Professor, Graduate School of Korean Unification and Development, Chongshin University

Author Information

Hae-Seok, Yoo is Dean of the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies at Chongshin University in Seoul and President of Fellowship for International Mission (FIM.), focusing on Muslim outreach. Holding a ThD from Calvin University in Korea and an MPhil from the University of Wales, he is a bestselling author of books on missionary Thomas and Islam published in Korea. He is dedicated to teaching mission studies and equipping believers to live out their faith among Muslim communities worldwide.

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