What is meant by the Jews being "God's chosen people"?

[Muad'Dib]

I never really thought about it before but that sounds awfully creepy and racist. "God loves or race of people more than others and blesses us more while punishing others". What does this mean? How can such a view be defended?

[Rini]

Actually, the position is defendable. One of the best explanations I've seen is at the Christian FAQ (http://www.christianfaq.com/believe.html) :

But time and time again what we see is God defining Himself through the group he's talking to, not saying "this is what I am" but "this is what I am to you." It would be like if you ran into your mailman at the grocery store, in civillian clothes. If he saw from your face that you didn't recognize him, he wouldn't say, "Hello. I am Will Mulgrew, son of Arthur Mulgrew, graduate of Stanford University..." and give you his life story. He'd simply say "I'm your mailman." He defines himself via your relationship, and he does it for your benefit.

[Captain Amazing]

The Jewish answer is that the Jews were picked by God to obey His laws...that's what they were chosen for. So, while everybody has to obey a few basic laws of God (don't worship idols, don't blaspheme, don't be sexually immoral, don't steal, don't murder, don't eat a still living animal, and set up courts to punish people who do any of other six things), Jews have a lot more laws to obey. It's not that God blesses Jews more than other people, it's that God expects more of Jews than other people.

And, of course, if you feel compelled to take on those extra responsibilities, you're free to convert, and then you'll be obligated to obey all the extra commandments too...you'll be "chosen".

[hajario]

"Chosen" does not mean better or superior.

[Good Egg]

"God loves or race of people more than others and blesses us more while punishing others".
It seems like He's punished them more than others!

[gooftroopag]

The Jewish answer is that the Jews were picked by God to obey His laws...that's what they were chosen for.

I may be mistaken, but I thought it had more to do with Jews responding rather than them being picked.

[Bippy the Beardless]

They are just like the Fremen ;)

[mks57]

See Jewish Identity - The concept of a chosen people - 8 May 2001 (http://www.chiefrabbi.org/faith/identity.html).

[Raguleader]

They get to be on His team in Dodgeball? ;j

*ducks*

[DocCathode]

I may be mistaken, but I thought it had more to do with Jews responding rather than them being picked.

It depends on who you ask. There's an old folktale that G-d went to every nation asking if they would accept His laws and be the chosen people. Everybody said no. G-d went to the last nation on earth, held a mountain over their heads and asked if they would accept His laws and be the chosen people.

[bizzwire]

I never really thought about it before but that sounds awfully creepy and racist. "God loves or race of people more than others and blesses us more while punishing others". What does this mean? How can such a view be defended?

I think it's because God said who shall I choose to have their asses kicked around the globe for a coupla thousand years? How 'bout.........THE JEWS!!"

You should be so blessed.

[samclem]

Since this seems to be a multi-answer question which will involve issues that don't lend themselves to strict GQ answers, let's try Great Debates.

samclem GQ moderator