Perhaps one day you'll explain to me why Rhodesia and South Africa were supported uncritically by conservatives such as yourself who suddenly become very moral when it comes to Israel.
This is a bold assumption on your part. If you want to start a thread on that subject, perhaps you'll find out what my thoughts really are.
I was making no claim whatsoever to judge the degree of "Jewishness" of Israel. I was merely asking how it was that the State of Israel can claim a singularly Jewish identity without its actions being judged in light of Judaic tradition ... particularly where God's and Father Abraham's words and actions are concerned.
Again, I thank you for pointing out the fact that it may well be "Jewish" for Israel to judge others -- Jew, Muslim, Gentile alike -- and annihilate them as it pleases.
I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that, but perhaps someone will weigh in with some further insight.
It's not I that have a problem with Nationalism, per se, but I think that any people who claim belief in and obedience to God would put his will before that of the State, that's all.
What's really strange about your bringing up the whole subject of Israel as instrument of God's will where the annihilation of others was concerned is that I was defending just this premise on Liberty Forum the other day where an atheist was questioning how a God who operated thus could possibly be a moral or forgiving entity rather than a Creator who not only permitted but created "evil" men and sanctioned the killing of innocents by Elect in some pragmatic or Calvinist effort to rectify his mistakes where Reprobates were concerned.
I'm still thinking about that one, actually. I stand by the defenses I offered -- pointing out that mercy was granted to some (the harlot who harbored Israel's spies and the folks who, swearing on the name of God, were made servants rather than eradicated) and that others brought on their own demise by specifically challenging Israel. Naturally, because I'm a Catholic, I also noted for the record that there are differences between the Old and the New Covenants.
But particularly given your reminder that even Jews could be subject to such annihilation should they forget their fear of the Lord, I guess it's back to the drawing board with me.
Just for purposes of clarifying the Laws in question, are you Jewish?
(I do always identify myself as a Catholic ... primarily because it does -- or should -- underscore my indebtedness to, respect for yet differences with the Judaic tradition.)