What I am talking about is not just a belief. It is a confirmation, a witness of the Holy Ghost that these things are true.  
 
This is what is different. Other churches have truth, and you can have the witness of the Holy Ghost of truth no matter where it is found. But when these people have prayed about the Book of Mormon or the LDS church being the restored church there has been a distinct external witness. It is usually not a huge thwack upside the head, but it is strong enough that you can tell that it does not originate from within you. It is a unique feeling that is always accompanied by a distinct peace. Time will erode that witness unless it is protected and cherished. If there is a God, then there is an adversary who will try to destroy that witness. 
 
It does not come to all that ask. It requires a hope that these things are true, a hope in a redeemer, and the willingness to follow through if you receive that answer. Those who read the Book of Mormon just so they can say they never received a witness will never receive that witness.  
 
Most of these people are saying these things because they have received that witness, which comes after a belief or hope. This is something that is not found in other churches, even though they may be great churches. Thus this is why you see this happen in the LDS church. 
 
I did not receive such a witness until long after I was a member of the LDS church and believed in it. It is something that I have never forgotten. This is why I know the church is true. Not because I believed it but because I confirmed it. Before that confirmation I wouldn't tell you that I knew it was true. Afterwards, I cannot deny it.