(c) Copyright 2010 - 2011 Kenneth R. Conklin, Ph.D. All rights
reserved INTRODUCTION -- WHY RELIGION IS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC IN
UNDERSTANDING HAWAII'S HISTORY AND HAWAIIAN SOVEREIGNTY This
website focuses on Hawaiian sovereignty. Religion has been a
very important part of the history of Hawaii and a major force
in shaping the sovereignty of Hawaii both in ancient times and
at present. In order to understand major issues related to
Hawaiian sovereignty it is essential to understand both the
ancient native Hawaiian religion and modern Christianity; and
how the two religions have interacted since 1778. What is the
relationship among the gods, the land, and the people? Where
does knowledge come from? How do people get knowledge? Do
different races have inherently different relationships with the
gods and the land; and different inborn ways of learning and
knowing? The answers to such religious questions have major
political consequences. Below are a few paragraphs briefly
summarizing the importance of religion in H