U.S. Methodist Church renews drive for divestment from Israel
Tensions are re-emerging between Jewish organizations and some mainline Protestant churches in the wake of a renewed drive for churches to divest from companies doing business with Israel.
The United Methodist Church opened discussions last Friday on a resolution calling for divestment from Caterpillar, the tractor manufacturer, because the company supplies Israel with bulldozers used in building the separation barrier and in demolishing Palestinian homes. The divestment resolution comes only months after the publication of a church-sponsored report referring to the creation of the State of Israel as the “original sin.”
Relations with the Presbyterian Church (USA) are also strained, following remarks by church officials criticizing Israel because of the Gaza closure. A recent study by an affiliate of the Presbyterian Church called on American Jews to “get a life” instead of focusing on defending Israeli policies.
An expected step by Jewish organizations is the launching of a new Web site that will call for a “return to civility” and condemn anti-Israeli voices among Protestant churches.
More and more the world is polarizing its business model according to religious alignment. This behavior is a recipe for disaster. We are witnessing the results of religious alignment in the Middle East and America. Cultures and spiritual guidance differ throughout the world. History demonstrates that when one culture or religion decides that they have exclusive God given entitlement over another culture or religion, destruction and death often follow. Business and Religion do not mix. Politics and Religion do not mix. Religion is the spark that governs personal behavior and social interaction. Imposing ones beliefs onto a mutual business arrangement is wrong.
Original article: Protestants: State of Israel Is The “original sin”
©2015 BlueBloggin. All Rights Reserved.
