We hear in the biblical mo‘olelo about Babylon and Egypt and their armies and imperial desires. Hawaii’s history of war and rumors of war that have infected and driven its political and economic choices from overthrow to statehood reads like an excerpt from the Bible.

The frightened and the scared run to the security of the chariots of war and to the golden calves of economic surety. Can the crucified one, who showed the path of vulnerability and a different kind of power, point the way for politicians and churchmen?

Our Hawaiian leaders seem to be giving us — the Christian church — a lesson on vulnerability and peace, and fulfilling Pope Francis’ call to care for our home, the Earth, as a way to honor and thank Akua for the gift.

Next year will be the 200th anniversary of Christianity’s arrival in the islands. I wish our pastors and leaders would join their voices to the many on the mountain who declare there are some domains of human life that should remain outside the reach of “market forces.”

Joe Miller

Kalihi Valley

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