AN EXPLORATION OF DOCUMENTS FROM CATHOLIC AND BUDDHIST SOURCES IN MACAO LIBRARIES
This article explores the evolution and characteristics of documentary resources in Macao libraries originating from Catholic and Buddhist traditions. Situated at the crossroads of East-West cultural exchange, Macao’s historical documents reflect the profound impact of religious activities on the re...
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| Published in: | Review of Culture |
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| Format: | Articles |
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Instituto Cultural de Macau
January 2003
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| Online Access: | https://www.icm.gov.mo/rc/viewer/pdfViewerParts/40005/2699 |
| Summary: | This article explores the evolution and characteristics of documentary resources in Macao libraries originating from Catholic and Buddhist traditions. Situated at the crossroads of East-West cultural exchange, Macao’s historical documents reflect the profound impact of religious activities on the region’s intellectual and social landscape. The author analyzes the distinct patterns of documentary creation within both religions, highlighting how Catholicism—linked to Portuguese administration and Western missions—and Buddhism—rooted in the local Chinese community—contributed to a diverse bibliographical heritage.
The study notes that Catholic documents emerged from varied social engagements, including education, healthcare, and early journalism, resulting in significant collections of 16th-century missionary publications, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and archival correspondence. Conversely, Buddhist resources primarily consist of scriptures and temple-based epigraphy that mark the traditional cultural identity of the majority population. By investigating these records, the article demonstrates how religious institutions served as primary agents in the production of pluralistic documentary resources and the preservation of Western science and Chinese culture. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the unique value of Macao’s religious archives as essential repositories for understanding the historical development of the region and its role as a pivotal site for global cross-cultural communication. |
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| ISSN: | 1682-1106 |