Does God Have Favourites?

• It was common for Jews to think of Gentiles as unclean and unworthy.
• Probably due to their religious habits—food etc.
• They would not associate with Gentiles—would make them unclean.
• Geography and culture play a part—whether you hear about Jesus.
• People in certain areas are forced to miss out on salvation—is this fair?

• Some Christians believe—Westboro Baptist Church.
• "God Hates ****."
• Show disrespect and disapproval towards gay people.
• Iris Robinson—"Abomination."
• Even many moderate Christians do not approve of gay people.
• Many say it goes against God's way.
• If you go against what God wanted, he will not favour you.

• Only male clergy in the Catholic Church.
• Does god favour males?
• Patriarchal society for so long.
• Favours men—references to sons—sons were heir to a family's inheritance.

• Jews came to God first—would he favour them?
• Israel—God's chosen nation.
• Does God favour his disciples—chosen twelve.
• Peter, James, and John—Triumvirate.
• John often described himself as 'the disciple that Jesus loved.'

• John 3:16—whoever believes in him.
• Salvation is open to anyone who believes.
• God didn't send Jesus to save certain people.
• Galatians—you are all one in the eyes of God. 
• Shows that God sees everyone (men / women, Jews / Gentiles etc.) as equals.

• Romans—all have sinned—no one is better.
• Omnibenevolent God.
• Mother Teresa—modern disciple—showed love for everyone—poor etc.

No:

• Given the explicit claim in the Bible that God does not have favourites.
• Inequality can be down to the greed of people.
• People who can't find out about Jesus are limited by the state and the place where they live.