Rethinking “The Promised Land” and “The Chosen People”

Religious language can be beautiful, comforting, and deeply meaningful. But it can also carry implications that go unchallenged for generations. Phrases like “the promised land” and “the chosen people” are more than just symbolic — they can shape identities, justify actions, and, in some cases, perpetuate inequality.

In today’s world — where nationalism, displacement, and cultural supremacy often hide behind tradition — it’s worth asking: What happens when these sacred ideas are used to claim power over others?

To call any land “promised” by a divine being is to assert an unshakable, non-negotiable right to it. It removes the conversation from the realm of dialogue and plants it firmly in the realm of destiny.

That kind of language has long been used to legitimize occupation, displacement, and expansion — not just in ancient scripture, but in modern geopolitics. When faith becomes the foundation for political entitlement, it can justify actions that would otherwise be deemed unjust.

The idea of being “chosen” by God might instill pride and purpose within a community. But it also sets up an implicit contrast: if one group is chosen, then others are not.

This belief, when internalized as absolute truth, can easily morph into exclusion or superiority. Throughout history, it has fueled both a sense of moral exceptionalism and the marginalization of those deemed “outside” the divine plan.

These concepts aren’t just theological—they’re political. They’ve shaped borders, fueled conflicts, and underpinned colonization. From the conquest narratives in scripture to modern nation-state claims, sacred entitlement has often been used to mask real-world power struggles.

The danger is clear: when divine justification overrides human rights, justice becomes a casualty.

None of this is to dismiss the power of faith, identity, or spiritual heritage. But as societies evolve, we need to be brave enough to ask hard questions of the stories we’ve inherited. Faith should inspire compassion, not conquest. Identity should build bridges, not walls.

So maybe it’s time to stop asking who is “chosen” and start asking how we can choose one another — in empathy, equity, and shared humanity.

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by Sami Wakim via street art united states