Spatial diffusion patterns of Protestants in Guangdong since 19th century

Abstract

Diffusion and distribution of religions were often influenced by geographical environment,so the subject has been a long-term topic of religious geography.In the mainland of China,the study is still to be strengthened on the religious diffusion pattern in the specific area and during the course of social changes.On the analysis of the spread of Protestants in the 19th and the first half of the 20th century in Guangdong,four diffusion patterns were presented at least,including point-axis relocation diffusion,hierarchical diffusion,contagious diffusion,and springboard diffusion.The spread of Protestants in the point-axis relocation diffusion pattern relies on the constant movement of missionaries,thus MRCs(Missionary Residential Centers)extended from port to inland along the axis(usually a traffic line).However,the existence of obstacles in the middle may also cause the veer of the developing axis.Hierarchical diffusion of Protestants launched on the level of population,of transport node and of administrative area,especially for the foremost two.In general,MRCs will spread by the grade,but also vice versus in some periods.According to the different types of media,different characteristics of space-time were shown in the pattern of infection diffusion.In the history,Hong Kong became not only a springboard,but also a resource for the Protestants' diffusion in Guangdong.This is called island-based springboard pattern,with the character of point(island)to point(seaport).It is noticeable that all of these patterns evolve from the classic cultural diffusion ones,but may be different from them more or less.The research tries to explain the classic cultural diffusion patterns,and to provide a good case for the cultural diffusion theory of hinterland-port-market.