I'm not being negative at all. I'm just wondering why one race of people were picked over all the other races on the planet at that time.
2007-08-08 20:16:48 · 33 answers · asked by Jerrid 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Great Answers! Leads me to another questions. Why was God only hanging out in one little part of the planet. What about China, North America, South America all the various islands in the pacific? Why only in the Middle East?
2007-08-08 20:29:11 · update #1
It was because of their forefather, Abraham. He walked with God!. So God developed a relationship with the descendants of Abraham. It was Abraham who chose to walk with the true Almighty God! This is while all the other folks on earth were busy being heathens!
2007-08-08 20:25:51 · answer #1 · answered by Marie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This paraphrase of several rabbis I've heard:
The Jews (or more accurately, the descendants of Abraham) were the first people in recorded history to realize that the supreme force behind the universe was not a morally neutral force. All the pagan societies worshipped a variety of deities who really could care less how you treated each other as long as you treated THEM with the proper respect, rituals and sacrifices. Abraham's God was all about how you treat your fellow human beings. If a follower of YHWH kills someone, that reflects poorly on YHWH; but a follower of Moloch killing someone, not really. YHWH was a God who had a definite moral code, and expected people to live up to it. Further, he ultimately was the God who intervened on behalf of the oppressed against the oppressor. The pagan deities were happy to have their followers go out and enslave other people.
Obviously, the Jews - even in their scriptures - hardly lived up to this ideal, or even realized it much of the time. But understanding of God is a gradual process. That's why they were the "chosen" people - because, more or less, over time, they were the first ones who GOT what God was all about - at least the only ones who kept records.
Peace to you.
2007-08-08 20:44:51 · answer #2 · answered by dreamed1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The JEWS were the well educated people in ancient times. They were often referred to as the people of the book. To be able to read was a great rarity during the times before Christ.
Who ever said God was not involved in other parts of the world? Remember the three wise men from the far east?
2007-08-16 14:37:53 · answer #3 · answered by Ms Blue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple. Abraham accepted monotheisim and his great, great, grandchildren remained loyal so God felt they were up to the task of performing his higher will. Anyone could convert to Judaism and if not fulfill God's basic will by fulfilling the 7 Noahide laws. God does not demand or expect any non-Jew to convert and is not held responsible for not doing so.
Righteous non Jews can merit a place in heaven just like Jews can.
2007-08-11 18:09:42 · answer #4 · answered by Scane 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abram, later known as Abraham, had a wife named Sarah. Had a maiden named Hagar. Descendants of Sarah were the Jews (Isaac), and those of Hagar were the Arabs.
Christianity showed up in the early first century A.D. Actually didn't get fully defined until the 300's.
Islam didn't appear until the 600's A.D.
Most people's way back in B.C. were poly-theist. The Jews were one of the first to become or be mono-theist. I think that's why they are referred to as "chosen"??
2007-08-08 20:43:51 · answer #5 · answered by JIMMY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Word says " Whosoever shall call on the name of The Lord shall be saved" John 3:16 " For God so Loved the world he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" You see all believers are God's chosen people
2007-08-16 14:35:38 · answer #6 · answered by ray_722 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because at the time when the Jews first sprang up, the rest of the world was pagan and believe in hundeds of gods, Jews were the first to have the belief in one true God
2007-08-08 20:21:08 · answer #7 · answered by Seth B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As per other answerers had answered. It is because of Abraham's faith and God's promise to him. For God is faithful.
In regard to your second question, God did walk all over the earth in one full circle. It started in Jerusalem, then walked toward Europe, then to US region then to russia then to China etc. Everywhere he walks there are miracles and great countries emerged. Once he finished his one round and come back to Jerusalem, I believe great things will happen again to the entire world!
2007-08-08 21:38:36 · answer #8 · answered by Beloved 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Funny how the only texts and people who say the Jews are the Chosen people are the texts held by the Jews to be sacred.
That's a problem with exclusionary religion (of which Judaism is only one); it's all circular reasoning.
2007-08-08 20:24:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
God likes to choose people. That's just the way He is. I'm sorry if that offends people but it's all over the Bible. I figure you know what He's God He can do whatever He wants.
He wanted a certain group to represent Him to others. He didn't love the others less, He just wanted people to represent Him.
2007-08-08 20:25:24 · answer #10 · answered by theedge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋