The natives got religion but the missionaries got the land!!!
The article noted that the military resented the missionaries' activities, because they suppressed alcoholism and prostitution.
That struck me, because it was the same here in Upper East Tennessee(former Watauga Settlement.) The Morovian missionaries (a Pietist German-speaking group from Central Europe active in East Tennessee and Northwest Georgia in the 18th century and early 19th century) protected the Cherokee's land rights, pressed for their recognition as citizens, and opposed liquor which was a standard means of exploitation on the part of land-speculators. (Conscienceless men like John Sevier plied the Cherokees with alcohol and then pressed them into exploitative arrangements for land and women).
Sevier and Andrew Jackson and other of their ilk won in the end, but it was against the best efforts of the Morovians.
Similarly in 18th century Alta California, as well, the soldiers at the Presidio traded liquor for women --- the California Indians' sisters, wives and daughters sold into concubinage --- and Padre Junipero Serra was so outraged bu it that he literally walked back to Mexico City (1,900 miles on foot) to demand that the government suppress this trafficking carried out by the military.
Like the Morovians in Tennessee and North Georgia, the Franciscans in California were not successful in protecting Indians' rights. But it's not because they didn't try.
No, the Hawaiians received a knowledge of the one true God and the opportunity to have a personal relationship with His son, Jesus, the Christ. They also became civilized, received wisdom, and became part of an eternal Kingdom where they will never die.
They stopped their sacrifices to the God of the volcanoes.
Ever heard of the phrase: "Live like hell and you'll get there?"
Let's face it, either Jesus was who he said he was, or he was a liar or he was insane? Do you know what he said? Try the Gospels of Mark or John for the most detailed accounts of his life.
Not choosing is still making a choice.
Life is short and then you die. Eternity is long. Then what?
A. Heaven?
B. Hell?
C. I don't want to think about it.
You and yours can't afford to be wrong, nor can me and mine.