When caterpillars are stepped on, fewer butterflies result. This simple lesson is one yet to be learned, however, by large tractor manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. The company appears poised to acquiesce to The United Methodist Church’s demands that they curtail sales to Israel. The United Methodist has $5 million of their retirement funds invested in the Caterpillar’s stock and is threatening divestment if the company refuses to go under heel.
The United Methodist has a long history of using church money against God’s chosen. When Israel began building a security fence to prevent homicide bombers from decimating their women and children, the Untied Methodist was there; with more threats of divestment on companies doing business with Israel. As the church’s Rev. Tim Bias likes to put it: “If we are to bring transformation to the world, we will do it by building and gaining trust with persons of differing perspectives.”1
That the United Methodist method for establishing this trust resembles more the style of one Al Capone is the least of their problems. Stepping on caterpillars only prevents butterflies, but attempting to spoil Israel is a more serious matter. Speaking on this subject the Lord said of Jerusalem: “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye” (Zec 2:8).
While this information may not be the sort relied on by stock brokers, it’s a sure thing that losing the United Methodist millions would be far better for Caterpillar than for them to poke God in the eye.
Notes:
1. Aaron Leichman,”United Methodists to Withdraw Caterpillar Divestment Plans,” Christian Post, April 19, 2008.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080419/32016_United
_Methodists_to_Withdraw_Caterpillar_Divestment_Plans.htm
