DiscussMormonism.com

I just finished reading "The Wide Wide Sea" by Hampton Sides, which chronicles the final voyage of Captain James Cook and his encounter with Hawaii. The book provides a profound exploration of Cook's impact on the regions he visited, including the introduction of old world diseases and the subsequent devastation of indigenous cultures. While Cook's expeditions are often framed as "discoveries," it's essential to acknowledge that these lands were already inhabited and known to their indigenous peoples.

Of particular interest in the book was the detailed account of how native Hawaiians perceived Cook as the literal return of their deity, Lono. This historical event, where Cook was mistaken for Lono by the Hawaiians, is well-documented. However, the Mormon Church has shamelessly appropriated this narrative to bolster their belief in Christ's fictional visit to America. They suggest that the Hawaiians mistaking Cook for Lono is evidence of a supposed Nephite tradition passed down through generations, insinuating that the ancient American civilization of the Nephites influenced the Hawaiian narrative.

Such an interpretation by Mormons is deeply flawed on multiple fronts. Firstly, there is no substantive evidence linking the Nephites to the Hawaiian tradition of Lono; this story is firmly rooted in indigenous Hawaiian culture, independent of any external influence. Secondly, the Mormon belief in Christ's visit to America lacks empirical support, relying instead on faith-based interpretations of scripture.

The Mormon attempt to appropriate the Cook-Lono story as evidence for their beliefs is not only a misinterpretation of historical events but also a disrespectful cooptation of indigenous Hawaiian culture. It underscores the dangers of cherry-picking narratives to fit predetermined ideologies rather than engaging with history and culture critically and respectfully.

Craig, You do not think this Lono is a memory of Christ. I am inclined to think you are correct but do you have specific reasons to think they are unrelated? That is beyond general improbability.

You’re kidding right?

Where to start:

First, Nephites are a fictional people meaning they never existed but let’s set that aside for the sake of augment. The Hawaiian god Lono has its very creation in the mythology of the Hawaiian people. They alone conjured this god. It is offensive to suggest they needed some outside source or influence for its basis.

Second, There is zero evidence that there was any cross pollination between Hawaii & the American continent. Prove me wrong.

Third, The Hawaiian god Lono and Jesus Christ are central figures in their respective religious traditions, but they have significant differences:

I asked AI to provide a few of those differences:

1. **Cultural Origin**:
- **Lono**: A deity in Hawaiian mythology, part of the native Hawaiian religious beliefs.
- **Jesus Christ**: The central figure of Christianity, originating from Judean culture within the broader context of Second Temple Judaism.

2. **Role and Domain**:
- **Lono**: Associated with fertility, agriculture, rainfall, peace, and music.
- **Jesus Christ**: Considered the Son of God, the Savior, and the Messiah, central to the Christian faith, who offers salvation and eternal life.

3. **Historical Context**:
- **Lono**: Worshiped in pre-contact Hawaiian society, particularly celebrated during the Makahiki festival, a period of peace and agricultural abundance.
- **Jesus Christ**: Lived in the 1st century CE in the Roman province of Judea, and his teachings and life events are documented in the New Testament.

4. **Worship and Practices**:
- **Lono**: Rituals include offerings, chants, and celebrations during specific times of the year, like the Makahiki season.
- **Jesus Christ**: Worship includes prayer, reading the Bible, sacraments such as baptism and communion, and observing holidays like Christmas and Easter.

5. **Nature and Attributes**:
- **Lono**: Depicted as a deity with powers over natural elements and agriculture, often seen as a benevolent and peaceful god.
- **Jesus Christ**: Believed to be both fully divine and fully human, who performed miracles, taught moral and spiritual lessons, and was crucified and resurrected.

6. **Impact and Influence**:
- **Lono**: Integral to Hawaiian culture and mythology, influencing agricultural practices and social structure.
- **Jesus Christ**: Central to Christianity, which has a global influence, shaping Western civilization, moral values, art, and philosophy.

Craig,

I suppose I could have reviewed Wikipedia. Sorry if my query was a bit annoying.

In Hawaiian religion, the god Lono is associated with fertility, agriculture, rainfall, music and peace. In one of the many Hawaiian stories of Lono, he is a fertility and music god who descended to Earth on a rainbow to marry Laka. In agricultural and planting traditions, Lono was identified with rain and food plants. He was one of the four gods (with Kū, Kāne, and Kāne's twin brother Kanaloa)[1] who existed before the world was created. Lono was also the god of peace. In his honor, the great annual festival of the Makahiki was held. During this period (from October through February), war and unnecessary work was kapu (forbidden).

In Hawaiian weather terminology, the winter Kona storms that bring rain to leeward areas are associated with Lono. Lono brings on the rains and dispenses fertility, and as such was sometimes referred to as Lono-makua (Lono the Provider). Ceremonies went through a monthly and yearly cycle. For 8 months of the year, the luakini (temple) was dedicated to Ku-with strict kapus. Four periods (kapu pule) each month required strict ceremonies. Violators could have their property seized by priests or overlord chiefs, or be sentenced to death for serious breaches.[2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lono