"I think the promotion of being "special," specifically chosen by God,"

This behavior is commonly seen among those who have failed to reach a level of expectation, real or perceived, and those who are in mourning. It is an adaptive defense mechanism to prop a fragile ego. Considering the "great disappointment," it is no wonder the emerging church latched on to this mantra. Besides, they probably learned it from Abraham who while alone in a foreign land entered into an everlasting covenant as a "chosen" people with his God. Who says the Adventist church cannot be copy-cats?