What is the CES Letter? If you’ve delved into discussions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), you’ve likely come across references to the CES Letter. But what exactly is this document, and why has it garnered so much attention?
The CES Letter is an extensive document authored by Jeremy Runnells. Initially presented as a letter to a Church Educational System (CES) director, it details Runnells’ concerns and questions about the history, doctrine, and practices of the LDS Church. The letter has since evolved into a significant and widely debated piece of literature both inside and outside the LDS community.
A CES Letter summary highlights thirteen major themes and questions, and many more subtopics. It is over ninety pages long. Here is a summary of the thirteen issues addressed by the CES Letter:
- Book of Mormon
What is a CES Letter argument against the Book of Mormon? First, there are KJV Translations in the Book of Mormon, which must mean it was written, not translated, by Joseph Smith. Second, there is no DNA Evidence that Native American groups descended from Middle Eastern peoples, which contradicts the Book of Mormon’s narrative. Third, the CES Letter points out various anachronisms in the Book of Mormon, such as the presence of horses and steel in the Americas.
Runnells goes on to argue that the geography of the Book of Mormon lines up with the area that Joseph Smith grew up in, additionally, there is no evidence that the Hill Cumorah has any archaeological significance. Runnells draws parallels between the Book of Mormon and three other books: View of the Hebrews, The Late War Between the United States and Great Britain, and The First Book of Napoleon. The Book of Mormon supports a trinitarian view of the Godhead, which the doctrine of the LDS Church does not believe in.
- Book of Mormon Translation
Joseph Smith’s use of seer stones and a hat during the translation process is scrutinized, as Runnells believes it contrasts with the traditional narrative involving the Urim and Thummim.
- First Vision
The CES Letter highlights discrepancies between four different accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision–questioning the credibility of the event based on these variations. Runnells discusses the lack of contemporary documentation around the time of the First Vision as well as the evolving nature of the vision over time.
- Book of Abraham
What are the CES Letter’s arguments against the Book of Abraham? The authenticity of the Book of Abraham is questioned based on modern Egyptological translations of the papyri, which differ significantly from Joseph Smith’s interpretations. The letter critiques the apologetic theory that the source material for the Book of Abraham is missing.
Other CES Letter critiques of the Book of Abraham are that it teaches an incorrect Newtonian view of the universe. Finally the CES Letter takes issue with the fact that chapters 2, 4, and 5 of the Book of Abraham are similar to the narrative in KJV Genesis 1, 2, 11, and 12.
- Polygamy/Polyandry
Runnells details Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy, including marriages to teenage girls and already married women. The ethical and moral implications of these practices are examined, in turn, questioning the divine mandate behind polygamy.
- Prophets
The letter discusses instances where church leaders have made statements or prophecies that were later retracted or proven false. This includes the Adam-God theory, blood atonement, polygamy, the policy concerning race and the priesthood, and Mark Hofmann.
- Kinderhook Plates and Translator Claims
Runnells outlines how the Kinderhook plates were presented to Joseph Smith, who looked at them and offered some possible translations. However, the Kinderhook plates were fakes, evidence that Runnells uses to shore up the CES Letter’s argument that Joseph Smith was never a translator.
- Testimony and Spiritual Witness
The CES Letter begins this section by stating that every religion claims the validity of their own spiritual witnesses, but they can’t all be true. Runnells believes that feelings are an ineffective source of truth and mentions that he felt the spirit during rated R movies, Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List. Joseph Smith’s Book of Mormon translation methods are mentioned again. If the spirit could testify of truth, why did people feel the spirit when Paul H. Dunn, a general authority, lied about his experiences in various talks? What is a CES Letter final argument? It is that relying on the spirit to make major life decisions, especially when they turn out to be disastrous, is a profound flaw with the reliability of spiritual witnesses.
- Priesthood Restoration
There are discrepancies with the dates of the restoration of the priesthood. Additionally, there are no contemporary documents to verify priesthood restoration.
- Witnesses
The CES Letter claims the witnesses of the Book of Mormon are unreliable, with particular attention paid to Martin Harris. Runnells also writes that the witnesses had a magical worldview with such beliefs as second sight, and never actually saw the plates.
- Temples and Freemasonry
Seven weeks after Joseph Smtih’s initiation as a member of the Nauvoo Masonic Temple, he introduced the LDS endowment ceremony. They are very similar, which Runnells argues means that the temple ceremony was not revealed by God to Joseph Smith. Additionally, freemasonry has zero links to King Solomon’s Temple, so the Freemason’s ceremony couldn’t be an original temple ceremony that was distorted over time, as some people claim. Runnells also questions whether everyone’s eternal salvation truly relies on temple rituals.
- Science
The scriptures are not compatible with the scientific theory of evolution. The CES Letter critiques the Judeo-Christian belief in a global flood as inconsistent with geological evidence.
- Other Concerns
The CES Letter claims that the church has been dishonest and engaged in censorship as well as whitewashing. Runnells also questions the lack of financial transparency within the church and the use of tithing funds, when the church already has such substantial financial assets and investments. The CES Letter also claims that the church is anti-intellectual, Runnells believes that members can’t criticize leaders or use unapproved materials on the internet.
Since its publication, the CES Mormon Letter has sparked significant debate. It has resonated with many individuals experiencing similar doubts, leading some to question their faith or leave the church altogether. Conversely, it has also prompted numerous apologetic responses from LDS scholars and defenders who aim to address the concerns raised by Runnells.
The LDS Church has not issued an official, point-by-point rebuttal to the CES Letter, but many members and scholars have taken it upon themselves to provide counterarguments and context. Websites, articles, and books have been written both supporting and criticizing the CES Letter, creating a robust dialogue around its contents.
Critics of the CES Letter argue that it presents a one-sided view, selectively highlighting negative aspects while ignoring positive ones or plausible explanations. They contend that many of Runnells’ points are based on misunderstandings or misrepresentations of LDS doctrine and history.
On the other hand, supporters of the CES Letter view it as a necessary catalyst for transparency and reform within the church. They argue that the questions raised are legitimate and deserve thorough, honest responses from church leadership.
So, what is the CES Letter? Ultimately, while it may be seen as a document of contention, it fundamentally represents Jeremy Runnells’ heartfelt plea for understanding, born out of personal inquiry. This document has become a cornerstone in the discourse surrounding LDS history and doctrine.
For those exploring the complexities of LDS history and doctrine, the CES Letter serves as both a starting point for questioning and a reminder of the importance of seeking truth and clarity in one’s beliefs. Whether viewed as a critical exposé or a misunderstood critique, its impact on the LDS community and beyond is undeniable.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
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