As far as becoming an observant Noahide or converting to Judaism goes, these are two very different paths. Besides the obvious differences, there is the question of legal jurisdiction. A convert intends to be under the complete authority of the Jewish court of law as interpreted by the Jewish court system. A Noahide must place himself under the authority of his nations ' Noahide courts, and be a good national. Just as a convert should seek the welfare of the Jewish nation (as Ruth said "your people will be my people..."), and a Noahide should seek the welfare of his nation. In the Talmud (Bava Kama 38a) , it is says written that like the Jews, the Noahide nations have also been sent into exile because they didn't keep their part of the covenant. I Some understand this to mean that they must find themselves and who they are. Like the Jews, they too have a mission and purpose in this world.
