7.3 Influence of Christian Missionaries
2 min read•july 24, 2024
arrived in Hawaii in 1820, bringing profound changes. Their arrival coincided with the overthrow of the , creating an openness to new ideas. They established mission stations, introduced , and translated the Bible into Hawaiian.
The missionaries' impact on Hawaiian society was far-reaching. They developed a written Hawaiian alphabet, promoted , and recorded Hawaiian legends. However, they also discouraged traditional practices like and native religious customs, leading to significant in Hawaiian life.
Arrival and Initial Reception of Christian Missionaries
Arrival of Christian missionaries
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- First Christian missionaries landed in Hawaii in 1820 aboard the Thaddeus (American Protestant missionaries from New England)
- Missionaries motivated by Second Great Awakening sought to spread Christianity to non-Christian lands
- Arrival coincided with overthrow of kapu system creating societal openness to new ideas
- Some Hawaiians expressed curiosity about new religion while others remained skeptical or resistant
- Key figures spearheaded early missionary efforts (, )
Missionaries' role in Hawaii
- Established mission stations across Hawaiian islands served as hubs for religious and educational activities
- Introduced Western-style education teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic to Hawaiian children
- Translated Bible into Hawaiian language and created Hawaiian-language hymns
- Trained native Hawaiian missionaries to spread Christianity to other Polynesian islands
- Brought establishing clinics and hospitals
Impact on Hawaiian traditions
- Developed written Hawaiian alphabet and promoted literacy in Hawaiian language
- Introduced Western clothing styles and encouraged monogamous marriage
- Discouraged traditional hula, chants, and native Hawaiian religious practices
- Led to abandonment of (temples) and suppression of traditional healing methods
- Recorded Hawaiian legends, traditions, and documented Hawaiian history and genealogies
Missionaries and Hawaiian monarchy
- Initially supported by Hawaiian monarchy ( allowed missionaries to stay and teach)
- Queen Ka'ahumanu's conversion to Christianity bolstered
- Missionaries served as advisors to Hawaiian monarchs and helped draft constitution and laws
- Tensions arose with later monarchs (King Kalākaua's efforts to revive Hawaiian culture)
- resisted influence of missionary descendants
- Missionary descendants formed political party and participated in 1893 overthrow of Hawaiian monarchy
- Legacy of missionary influence remains debated regarding positive and negative impacts on Hawaiian society
Key Terms to Review (14)
Asa Thurston: Asa Thurston was a significant figure among the early Christian missionaries in Hawaii, known for his role in establishing the missionary presence and promoting Christianity in the islands during the 19th century. His contributions went beyond religious conversion; he was also involved in education and the translation of texts, which played a crucial role in the cultural exchange between Western and Hawaiian societies.
Christian Missionaries: Christian missionaries are individuals sent by Christian organizations to spread their faith and promote Christianity in various regions around the world. These missionaries played a significant role in cultural exchanges and often impacted local traditions, beliefs, and societal structures, particularly during the period of European colonial expansion.
Cultural Shifts: Cultural shifts refer to significant changes in societal norms, values, beliefs, and practices over time. These changes can be influenced by various factors including technology, migration, and external ideologies, leading to the transformation of communities and their identities. In the context of the influence of Christian missionaries, cultural shifts encompass the ways in which introduced beliefs and practices altered existing Hawaiian cultural frameworks.
Hawaiian Language Bible: The Hawaiian Language Bible refers to the first complete translation of the Christian Bible into the Hawaiian language, completed in 1838. This translation played a crucial role in both religious and cultural contexts, as it helped promote literacy among Hawaiians and preserve the Hawaiian language during a time of significant change brought about by Christian missionaries.
Heiau: A heiau is a traditional Hawaiian temple, which served as a place of worship and ritual, dedicated to various Hawaiian gods and goddesses. These structures were integral to early Hawaiian society, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and practices of the people while also serving as sites for important ceremonies, including those for agriculture, healing, and community gatherings.
Hiram Bingham: Hiram Bingham was an American academic and explorer best known for his rediscovery of the Incan city of Machu Picchu in 1911. His exploration was significant not only for its archaeological impact but also for how it intersected with the influence of Christian missionaries, particularly in terms of cultural exchanges and the spread of Western ideologies in indigenous societies.
Hula: Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance form that combines rhythmic movement, chant, and music to convey stories, emotions, and cultural values. This art form is deeply rooted in Hawaiian oral traditions, embodying the history, spirituality, and identity of the Hawaiian people.
Kamehameha II: Kamehameha II, also known as Liholiho, was the second king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, reigning from 1819 until his death in 1824. He is best known for his efforts to modernize Hawaii and his significant role in the impact of Christian missionaries on Hawaiian society, particularly through the abolishment of the traditional kapu system.
Kapu system: The kapu system was a set of ancient Hawaiian laws and practices that regulated behavior and resource management within society, establishing strict rules about sacred places, rituals, and social conduct. This system played a significant role in maintaining social order and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources by designating certain areas or practices as off-limits or prohibited, thereby protecting the environment and cultural practices.
Literacy: Literacy refers to the ability to read and write, as well as to comprehend and communicate through written language. It goes beyond just decoding text; it includes understanding the context, purpose, and meaning behind written materials, which is crucial for effective communication and engagement in society.
Missionary influence: Missionary influence refers to the impact that Christian missionaries had on cultures and societies, particularly in the context of their efforts to spread Christianity. This influence can be seen in the introduction of new religious beliefs, educational systems, and social reforms, often leading to significant cultural shifts and transformations in the communities they engaged with.
Queen Lili'uokalani: Queen Lili'uokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, serving from 1891 until her overthrow in 1893. She is a key figure in Hawaiian history, representing the struggle for sovereignty and cultural identity during a time of immense political change and foreign influence.
Western education: Western education refers to the educational systems and philosophies that originated in Europe and North America, characterized by a focus on secular subjects, critical thinking, and individualism. This approach often contrasts with indigenous educational practices, particularly in colonized regions, where traditional knowledge and cultural values were frequently undervalued or suppressed.
Western medicine: Western medicine refers to a system of medical practices and beliefs that originated in Europe and North America, emphasizing scientific research, clinical evidence, and the use of technology in diagnosing and treating illnesses. This approach typically contrasts with traditional healing practices and is characterized by its reliance on pharmaceuticals, surgical interventions, and standardized treatments.