God's apparent lack of concern for non-jews in the OT

[valient_Lucy]

cynic:

I think this slightly misses the point. If you’re born into a corrupt society, you’re more likely to become corrupt, especially if there is no alternative way of living made explicit (ie Gods law, the ten commandments, given exclusively to the jews). This the fate of the majority of mankind in the OT.

Jews believe that seven laws were given to all of mankind after the flood. These are the only laws that non-Jews are bound to follow. Non-Jews are not bound by the Torah, or the Jewish law. Also, Jews don’t really believe in Hell. Their focus is more on this life, then the next.

As for Catholics, Catholics believe that God does not hold people accountable for revelation that they have not recieved. He does hold them accountable, for fidelity to the revelation they have not recieved. But it is fruitless to speculate about the salvation of others. Our first concern should be our own salvation, and praying for the salvation of others.

 

[TobyLue]

Contrary to popular belief, Judaism does not maintain that Jews are better than other people. Although we refer to ourselves as G-d’s chosen people, we do not believe that G-d chose the Jews because of any inherent superiority. According to the Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b), G-d offered the Torah to all the nations of the earth, and the Jews were the only ones who accepted it. The story goes on to say that the Jews were offered the Torah last, and accepted it only because G-d held a mountain over their heads! (In Ex. 19:17, the words generally translated as “at the foot of the mountain” literally mean “underneath the mountain”!) Another traditional story suggests that G-d chose the Jewish nation because they were the lowliest of nations, and their success would be attributed to G-d’s might rather than their own ability. Clearly, these are not the ideas of a people who think they are better than other nations. Because of our acceptance of Torah, Jews have a special status in the eyes of G-d, but we lose that special status when we abandon Torah.

Not to sidetrack this thread but just one quick question and then it can continue. I have seen this many times but just wondering.
Why G-d instead of God?

 

[NotWorthy]

It’s a sign of respect for our Lord. In the Old Testament, you’ll see that Israel was not allowed to say God’s name. Only on the day of Atonement could the Jewish High Priest say His name.

Did you ever notice that while other Gospels use the phrase “Kingdom of God”, Matthew uses the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven”? Luke and Mark were written primarily to Christians who had been Gentiles (or at least outside of Israel). Matthew, however, was written to the Christians (and Jews) in Judea, who had been raised in Judaism, so he used “Kingdom of Heaven”.

Notworthy

 

[TobyLue]

Shouldn’t we then use Je-us and the Hol- Sp-rit?

Not trying to be difficult, but I think I understand. OK continue with thread.

Thanks Notworthy

 

[NotWorthy]

TobyLue:

Shouldn’t we then use Je-us and the Hol- Sp-rit?

Not trying to be difficult, but I think I understand. OK continue with thread.

Thanks Notworthy

I think our Jewish brethren would disagree.

Notworthy

 

[LilyM]

NotWorthy:

I think our Jewish brethren would disagree.

Notworthy

Well I believe Jewish custom is also not to SAY the full name of God except once a year. We Christians have been saying all three names (and writing them too!) in their full forms for 2,000 years and haven’t been struck by lightning yet.

Hmmm, maybe Judaism is the true faith after all …