There is no presumption in Judaism that non-Jews are in some kind of lesser position - ‘chosen’ merely means ‘chosen’ for a particular ‘contract’ with God (by Jewish tradition that was when everybody else had turned him down for that particular arrangement).
Yep–everything that Kaninchen has said here is right on.
And you can imagine that this was a big issue for me given that all of my family besides me is Jewish (though not really active religiously save major holidays.)
)Part of the confusion no doubt is applying Christian concepts like “salvation” to Judaism and the Tanach (salvation from what?!). In as much as you are referring to the concept of Tshuvah or repentance, then the answer may be found in the book of Yonah (Jonah). Here we see clearly that God is God to all mankind, Jew and gentile. He is not limited to a particular place and He is not God to the Jews alone, there is only one God. Yonah is sent by God to a gentile city with instructions to warn them to repent. He flees to the sea and but of course cannot flee from God. The gentiles repent and are spared by God.
perhaps though gentiles may have had no knowledge of those laws and more importantly little motivation to observe them
So, what’s the advantage to the Jews of accepting the “chosen people covenant” versus staying with the Noahide commandments?
Well, it helps us deal with our OCD gene problems for one thing.
I suppose there are other similarities. I remember once here remarking that ‘Jews understand guilt very well, it’s what Jewish mothers are for’ only to be told that it was a great Catholic tradition as well! Thinking it over, it gave me some insight into the business of Mary turning up from time to time (Lourdes and Fatima, for example) in Catholic countries and the messages she gives (‘You don’t write, you don’t ring, your father’s at his wits’ end . . . .’).It was a relief to know that in the CC, I didn’t have to believe this bunk (Kaninchen, I want to say “mishagas” but I realize that no one but you will even know what I’m talking about!). It’s one of the reasons I’m becoming Catholic, actually. (That said, I do know that there are some Catholics who believe that “Jesus now or else hell forever” business too.
Kaninchen, you are too much!I suppose there are other similarities. I remember once here remarking that ‘Jews understand guilt very well, it’s what Jewish mothers are for’ only to be told that it was a great Catholic tradition as well! Thinking it over, it gave me some insight into the business of Mary turning up from time to time (Lourdes and Fatima, for example) in Catholic countries and the messages she gives (‘You don’t write, you don’t ring, your father’s at his wits’ end . . . .’).
Very down to earth explanation of that big word covenant!
It could be real or it could be symbolic.
The Israel that you get in the end - is it an Israel of this world, or is it symbolic of an Israel in the afterlife?
Best laugh I had today, thanks.I suppose there are other similarities. I remember once here remarking that ‘Jews understand guilt very well, it’s what Jewish mothers are for’ only to be told that it was a great Catholic tradition as well! Thinking it over, it gave me some insight into the business of Mary turning up from time to time (Lourdes and Fatima, for example) in Catholic countries and the messages she gives (‘You don’t write, you don’t ring, your father’s at his wits’ end . . . .’).
Indeed…there is a really funny joke about the similarities/difference between Catholic and Jewish guilt. I can’t remember it, unfortunately, all I know is that it has something to do with a suitcase.
Thinking it over, it gave me some insight into the business of Mary turning up from time to time (Lourdes and Fatima, for example) in Catholic countries and the messages she gives (‘You don’t write, you don’t ring, your father’s at his wits’ end . . . .’).
