Is Judaism a universalizing religion or an ethnic religion?

Answer 1

Judaism is an ethnic religion, since we don't press people to convert, and since we have common ancestors (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob).

The term ethno-religious group is often used to describe the Jewish people. Jews have certain elements that are common to all ethnicities, such as a common language, particular customs of association, a shared history, and a common ancestry. Jews are descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives, from the Hebrews of the Fertile Crescent. Despite their diversity, Jews are related to each other (as has been demonstrated by DNA analyses of far-flung Jewish communities).

Answer 2

Judaism doesn't urge non-Jews to convert. The mitzvot (commands) of the Torah may be divided into three categories: 1) Those mitzvot that are obligatory only for Jews. This category includes the majority of the mitzvot of the Torah. 2) Those mitzvot that are obligatory upon non-Jews as well as Jews. This category includes seven commands: a] not to eat from an animal which is still alive; b] not to curse God; c] not to steal; d] to maintain courts of law; e] not to commit adultery or incest; f] not to worship idols; and g] not to murder. 3) There are certain mitzvot which are not explicitly commanded for non-Jews but which non-Jews are nonetheless expected to learn from and adopt. This category includes such examples as a] going in the ways of God (Deuteronomy 28:9); b] giving charity (Leviticus 25:35); c] learning from the lessons of history (Deuteronomy 32:7); d] not to ignore reproof (Deuteronomy 10:16); e] not to mindlessly follow mass behavior (Exodus 23:2); and many more. 4) There are some things that are the universal tradition of mankind, so much so that the Torah doesn't command them at all, and considers them as being self-understood. These include burying the dead, not eating human flesh, belief in the afterlife, and more.

Answer 3

Judaism does not actively seek converts or universal status. It is considered an ethno-religious entity.

More information

Today, the term ethno-religious group is often used to describe the Jewish people. Jews have certain elements that are common to all ethnicities, such as a common language, particular customs of association, a shared history, and a common ancestry. Jews are descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives, from the Hebrews of the Fertile Crescent. Despite their diversity, Jews are related to each other (as has been demonstrated by DNA analyses of far-flung Jewish communities).
At the same time, Judaism is a religion, because it's defined in dictionaries as the religion of Moses; the religion of the Torah, which includes people born Jewish as well as non-ethnic Jews (converts).
See also the Related Links.

Link: Are Hebrews, Israelites and Jews the same people?

Link: Jewish ancestry

Answer 4

Judaism does not actively seek converts or universal status. It is considered an ethno-religious entity.

Answer 5

Between those two choices, Judaism would be considered an ETHNIC RELIGION, holding that Judaism is the correct religion for the Jewish people, not for all people.

Answer 6

Judaism is not universalizing, since we do not seek converts or evangelize. Sincere converts are accepted if they come of their own accord.