| Response |
Regarding your first question, God our Heavenly Father, in his infinite
wisdom, knows all of His children personally and infinitely well. He
knows our nature, our makeup, our personality, and our faith. He gives
to each of his children those challenges he knows they need to
strengthen their faith. Each one of us faces different challenges--
some because of the lineage they are born into, others because they are
sent to a "third world" country. Others are given physical and mental
challenges to overcome. Others have disappointments in their lives that
make them question even the existence of God. Our entire reason for
being here upon the earth is first to gain a body and to learn to
keep all the commandments of God. In that process, we are given
countless tests (some of which I have just listed). We believe that the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's true Church here
upon the earth, that it was restored to the earth through the Prophet
Joseph Smith and the Lord continues to send his messengers throughout
the world so that all who are honest in heart will have the opportunity
to understand that message. You would be fascinated to know that
hundreds of thousands of people every year, the majority of whom are
"set in their ways," hear that message, are touched by the Spirit, and
make life-altering changes because their hearts are touched by the
Spirit and they know that what they've heard is true. One of the many
ways that happens is not only hearing the gospel message but by reading
the Book of Mormon, praying about it--a thing which I invite you to do
so that you will know.
Your second question asked how we feel toward the Jewish religion. We
feel a great love and kinship toward the Jewish people for many
reasons. It has something to do with the fact that the Jewish people
have been persecuted for centuries and have been the subject of ridicule
constantly.
As you know, from having read the history of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we've also been persecuted and
attacked because of our beliefs and doctrines. Additionally, we know
through latter-day prophets that we too are of the House of Israel. You
come through the lineage of Judah; we come through the lineage of Joseph
and usually find that lineage through Ephraim or Manasseh, Joseph's
sons. If I can provide you with more information, I invite you to
carefully study what we believe on My Beliefs Page and if you would
like a copy of the Book of Mormon for your own personal study, please let me
know and I will have a couple representatives deliver it to you
personally.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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