Turning Tide Ch.4

Calvinism and the Missionaries

In 1820, the first Christian missionaries arrived in Hawai'i aboard the brig Thaddeus, captained by Andrew Blanchard. They departed from Boston on October 23, 1819, and reached Hawai'i on March 30, 1820, after a grueling 18,000-mile journey that lasted 159 days. The missionaries were not aged figures as some might think; rather, they were predominantly young and energetic individuals, filled with a fervent zeal to spread Christianity. Their idealistic mission was partly motivated by personal reasons, as many sought wives before embarking on the arduous journey to the remote islands, believing that companionship would bolster their resolve in this challenging new environment.

The missionaries were Calvinists from the Congregationalist tradition, sent by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM), which had been established in 1810. This movement was part of the broader waves of religious revival, known as the Second Great Awakening, that swept across New England during the early 19th century. They aimed to convert what they perceived as heathens, driven by a sense of duty to enlighten those whom they considered spiritually lost.

The Pilgrims of Hawaii

The early missionary missions consisted of approximately one hundred individuals, which included couples and their immediate associates. The Reverend Hiram Bingham and Reverend Asa Thurston were among the two ministers ordained shortly before their voyage, determined to convert the native Hawaiians. They were joined by a team of five assistant missionaries, including Elisha Loomis, the youngest at nineteen, and a mix of teachers, physicians, and catechists.

These pioneers intended to stay in Hawai'i long-term, and their arrival marked a significant moment in the cultural history of the islands, influenced by the tragic life of 'Opükaha'ia (Henry Obookiah), a young Hawaiian man who had experienced deep personal loss. His disillusionment with traditional Hawaiian religion and the desire to bring Christianity back to Hawai'i motivated the missionaries' journey. This story highlights the complexity of cultural interactions and the transformative power of personal narratives in mission work.

Initial Challenges and Cultural Interactions

The missionaries faced considerable challenges upon their arrival, including cultural resistance and the need to navigate a delicate political landscape. Initially met with indifference, they were cautious in their dealings with local rulers, fully aware that conversion would require their support. This cautious approach reflected their aim to cooperate with existing power structures while promoting their Christian ideals.

Notably, the missionaries encountered the aftermath of significant religious changes in Hawai'i, including the abolition of the kapu system by influential figures such as Ka'ahumanu and Keopuolani. This transition forced Hawaiians to reassess their beliefs in light of the influx of foreign ideas and values introduced by the missionaries.

The Prevalent Attitudes and Approaches

The early missionaries viewed native customs through a predominantly negative lens, often labeling the Hawaiian culture as heathenistic, frivolous, or immoral. Their language reflected a dichotomy; while they recognized certain admirable traits of the Hawaiians, they were quick to dismiss much of the cultural practices, seeing them through the lens of their Calvinist upbringing as manifestations of moral depravity. This harsh judgment often led to the regulation and elimination of traditional practices, such as hula, which they deemed inappropriate.

Despite these challenges, the missionaries played a significant role in education and the spread of literacy in the islands. They established schools, compiled hymnals, and worked on translating the Bible into Hawaiian, with the complete volume published by 1837-1838. Both the educational and religious transformations initiated by the missionaries had lasting impacts on Hawaiian society.

Legacy of Calvinism in Hawaii

The legacy of the missionaries is intricately linked to the history of Calvinism, with its strict doctrines influencing their approach to culture and conversion efforts. The missionaries' unwavering belief in predestination and the inherent depravity of man colored their views on Hawaiian society, leading to a complex and often contentious relationship with the indigenous people.

Despite their intentions, the changes brought by the missionaries fundamentally altered the course of Hawaiian culture. The intertwining of Calvinist ideals with local practices led to a complicated legacy, instigating debates about cultural loss and the preservation of identity that have continued well into modern times. The missionaries may have aimed to enlighten, but their actions also instigated a clash of civilizations that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of Hawaii's cultural heritage and sovereignty.