But if we're talking about the "people of Israel" as a coherent group, then what exactly are we talking about here if not genetics and ethnic background? It seems to me that this "sense of nationhood" you're talking about is so broadly defined that people who may be of completely non-Semitic background may now be considered Semites. If a German converts to Judaism, does he now have a claim to the Holy Land? What made the descendants of Abraham so special if not their heritage?
"And if you be Christ's, then are you the seed of Abraham, heirs according to the promise." Gal 3:29
Yes. Even the Orthodox Jews accept non-genetically-Jewish proselytes.
" If a German converts to Judaism, does he now have a claim to the Holy Land?"
I'd guess so--- if the Orthodox rabbis accept him as a Jew.
" What made the descendants of Abraham so special if not their heritage? "
Their faith. That's what St. Paul says, anyhow. Of course Paul is not an Orthodox rabbi.
It's a matter of considerable controversy right now in Israel, right now as we speak.
If a Moabitess converts to Judaism can she be the grandmother of a King of Israel and have the Messiah as her descendant ?
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
Ruth, Catholic chapter one, Protestant verses fourteen to eighteen,
as authorized, but not authored, by King James