To Jews: Please explain me the concept of...?

Question

Can any Judaism follower explain me about chosen people concept? Do you really think God could chose one nation supreme over another?

P.S In Islam chosen people refers to people being given the task of spreading the religion. Jews clearly misunderstood this and thought that they were above others.

If Chosen People means the saved people, then why others cannot convert to Judaism? Doesn't that make them the only special nation with their own religion?

Islam is for everybody, unlike Judaism.

Only jews please! Goyim not need to answer.

To Benjo: You say people are DISCOURAGED to convert to Judaism. Do you realize that by discouraging you are sending them to Hell? Why would God's religion send most of the people to Hell?

Prophet Abraham never preached such! He invited everbody to Truth, without discouraging anybody! The True religion of Abraham is now Islam! Both Christianity and Judaism had been corrupted. That's the fact.

Answer 1

I'll make it as clear as I can be without being controversial. Other nations were asked if they wanted the bible. They asked what's in it and said no. The Jews were asked and said yes straight away. Abraham, the first Jew was the first person to recognise God. So we were given the bible and sabbath as a gift. The only reason Christians have a bible is because they believe one of our sinners is God or whatever. Non-Jews can convert. No problem. They are DISCOURAGED because they might not want to keep all 613 commandments.

Answer 2

Jews believe that all good people are considered good by G-d.
We (Jews) don't think too much about the afterlife and don't use words like salvation a lot, but any good person can get those things. You don't have to be Jewish, you just ahve to follow the Seven Noahide Laws.

It is possible to convert to Judaism.
But first potential converts are told that they don't need to be Jewish, they can just be good non-Jews. Jews have 613 biblical commandments and lots of other rabbinic injunctions. Non-Jees just need to observe the 7 Noahide commandments, so it's easier to be good if you're not Jewish.

THe concept of being an Am Segula, a unique nation, a special nation, a chosen people, whatever you call it, is very difficult for us (Jews) to understand. It seems like you see it as being better than other people, but that is not how most Jews see it.

We are chosen as part of our religious narrative. Other nations may be chosen in some other way, but that's their story. Judaism is a religion of a nation and community, bound together throughout time. It seems to me that the idea of choseness is there to remind us that we are all chosen together with our people, and not alone as individuals.
But I don't think that that negates other peoples' ability to have a unique relationship with good as well.

Answer 3

You have a misunderstanding. The "chosen people" simply refers to Jews spreading the word of monotheism -- nothing more! Unfortunately, a lot of Muslims spread misinformation about the Jewish religion that are not at all true.

Unlike Christianity and Islam, Judaism do not say that a person must be a Jew to be "saved" in the afterlife. We think that what a person does in this lifetime on earth is VERY important -- in fact, more important than "believing" in any certain religion, and that is one of the beauties and wisdoms of Judaism.

Answer 4

Have you ever talked to an "Evangelical Right".? Say I'm a New Age Christian discussing Christianity with them and the bottom line with them is that if I don't believe like them, unfortunately, I'm going to hell. I say, "Well, I like the company there. According to you it would be Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Princess Diana, and all the Presidents and on and on. I'd love to sit down and talk to Presidents Carter, Clinton, Kennedy, the Roosevelt's I could spend eternity because I bet Abraham, Enoch and Elijah and Lord knows, maybe even Jesus! He ran with the wrong crowd.....made water into wine at a party, you think he partied? Well, that'll send you to hell in their book! Talk about being the chosen ones.

Answer 5

I am a Christian, so I guess I'm not supposed to answer, but I also think of the Children of Israel as God's chosen people. Literally speaking, this would mean the descendants of Israel (Jacob).

Praise the Lord that we Gentiles were allowed to share in the gift of Salvation after the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are the branch that has been grafted in, but don't disrespect the Children of Israel. God isn't through with things yet.

Answer 6

Abram was a friend of Gods. He was obedient and followed after God because of simple belief.
Abrams name was changed to Abraham, he would be the father of many nations and his seed would be more than the stars of the sky or the sand in the ocean.
That is probably why God favors Israel over other nations. I'm not jealous, just thankful I was grafted into the family of God!

Answer 7

Jews may believe that they are the chosen people of God, but I would encourage you to read more into this because its not as egocentric as it sounds. I'm pretty sure that many Jews believe that to be the chosen people does not mean that they are God's favorite, but that they were simply the group of people which Yahweh first revealed Himself to. They then are to spread the message of Yahweh to the other peoples of the earth.

And Im almost positive that most Jews do not believe that they are the only ones going to heaven or paradise. Its not usually that easy for someone of any faith so don't peg that ignorant statement on anyone of faith unless you know for sure.

Answer 8

first off people can convert to Judaism and become Jews.

being Jewish is not a race but a religious nationality. Do some research before you make false statements.

secondly learn the meaning of "chosen people" unlike Islam where if you do not belive in the prophet mohamid you will burn in hell Judaism says one dose not have to convert to acheve salvation.

http://www.aish.com/literacy/concepts/The_Chosen_People.asp

Answer 9

Why do people hear one quote and run with assuming what they already want to believe. Jews believe that peoples of all nations will attain salvation. The term you use only describes the covenant made with God. Do some research before you bash people.

Answer 10

I'm not Jewish, but the concept that they are the chosen people doesn't mean they are superior, just that they were the people chosen by god for his son to be born into. If anything, being "chosen" is a burden.