Exploring the trend in religious diversity: Based on the geographical perspective

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Religion
• Human Geography
• Cultural Evolution

Background:

• Religious diversity is a product of free expression and a factor in integrating religions with modern political values.
• Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of religious diversity is crucial for comprehending global cultural shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the spatial characteristics and evolution trends of the global religious diversity index (RDI).
• To identify key factors influencing RDI and examine convergence patterns.

Main Methods:

• Geographical analysis using LISA space-time transition.
• Convergence tests (σ and β convergence, club convergence).

Main Results:

• Global RDI increased by 61.11% post-WWII, accelerating then decelerating.
• Latin America, Europe, and North America showed significant RDI increases; Asia saw a slight decrease.
• Highest RDI countries are in North America, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa, often with colonial histories.
• Influencing factors include colonial missionary effects, precipitation, GDP per capita, and genetic diversity.
• Spatial structure shows weakening path dependence and significant spillover effects from neighboring countries.
• Global RDI exhibits significant σ and β convergence, with regional club convergence observed.

Conclusions:

• Global religious diversity is converging, with lower RDI regions catching up to higher RDI regions.
• Historical factors, particularly colonialism, and geographical influences continue to shape religious diversity patterns.
• Interconnectedness and regional spillover effects are key drivers in the narrowing global disparities in religious diversity.