What is the CES Letter Mormon?

Photo by Book Of Mormon Central Archive

The CES Letter, written by Jeremy Runnells in 2012, has become a significant document for those questioning their faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). While the CES Letter has influenced some former members to leave the faith and has sparked debates about Mormon doctrine and history, it also serves as a powerful tool in the ongoing conversation between believers and critics of the Church. Runnells, a former member of the LDS Church, compiled a series of concerns and criticisms in the letter, many of which center on issues related to the historicity of the Book of Mormon, the Church’s treatment of its history, and the authenticity of Joseph Smith’s revelations.

In this blog post, we will explore the CES Letter, its core arguments, and the tactics it employs to make its case against the LDS Church. Additionally, we will consider the rebuttals from LDS apologists and provide a balanced view of the document and the issues it raises.

What is the CES Letter?

The CES Letter is a personal letter that Jeremy Runnells wrote to a representative of the Church Educational System (CES) in 2012. In the letter, Runnells questions the truth claims of the LDS Church and raises concerns about various aspects of its doctrine, history, and practices. The letter is structured as a series of questions and criticisms, with each topic addressing a different issue, from the origins of the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith’s polygamy to the Church’s changing policies over time. The document quickly gained attention online and became widely circulated among those questioning their faith in the LDS Church.

Runnells’ approach is to present these criticisms in a way that, at times, appears overwhelming. The CES Letter covers a broad range of topics, and many of the criticisms are framed in such a way that they may seem difficult to refute. As a result, the CES Letter has been influential in helping some former members of the LDS Church justify their decisions to leave the faith. It has also become a touchstone for those who want to understand the main arguments against Mormonism.

The CES Letter’s Core Arguments

At the heart of the CES Letter are several key arguments that Runnells believes undermine the credibility of the LDS Church. These arguments often center on historical and doctrinal issues that, according to Runnells, are inconsistent with the Church’s claims of being the true restored Church of Jesus Christ. Some of the main topics discussed in the CES Letter include:

1. The Book of Mormon and Its Historicity

One of the most significant arguments in the CES Letter is the question of the Book of Mormon’s historicity. The Book of Mormon is central to the doctrine of the LDS Church, and it is regarded as a sacred text that recounts the history of ancient civilizations in the Americas, specifically the Nephites and Lamanites. Runnells questions the historical authenticity of the Book of Mormon, citing a lack of archaeological evidence and inconsistencies in the text.

Runnells points to the absence of physical evidence supporting the existence of civilizations described in the Book of Mormon, arguing that no archaeological discoveries have proven the Book of Mormon’s historical claims. In particular, he emphasizes the supposed anachronisms in the text, such as references to horses, steel, and other items that are believed not to have existed in the Americas during the time the Book of Mormon describes.

Additionally, Runnells takes issue with the changes made to the introduction of the Book of Mormon in 2006, noting that the phrase “the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians” was changed to “the Lamanites, and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.” He suggests that this change reflects the Church’s attempt to align the Book of Mormon with contemporary scientific understanding, particularly DNA evidence that points to Asian ancestry for Native Americans.

2. Joseph Smith’s Translation Methods

Runnells also criticizes Joseph Smith’s translation methods for the Book of Mormon, particularly the use of a seer stone in a hat. According to Runnells, the story of Smith’s translation is problematic because it deviates from the Church’s traditional narrative. The CES Letter argues that Smith’s translation process, which involved using a stone in a hat to dictate the Book of Mormon, casts doubt on the legitimacy of the translation and suggests that Smith may not have been translating ancient records, but rather fabricating them.

3. The Book of Abraham and Egyptology

Another significant point raised in the CES Letter is the Book of Abraham, which Joseph Smith claimed to have translated from ancient Egyptian papyri. Runnells points to modern Egyptology, which asserts that the surviving papyri fragments do not match Smith’s translation and instead contain common funerary texts. This has led critics to argue that Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Abraham was a fabrication or a misinterpretation.

Runnells also notes that the papyri fragments that Smith used for translation were lost in the Chicago fire of 1871, leaving only reproductions of the fragments available for analysis. Despite this, Runnells contends that Egyptologists have discredited Smith’s translation, and he uses this as evidence of Smith’s prophetic claims being false.

4. Changes in Doctrine and Practices

The CES Letter highlights various changes in LDS doctrine and practices over time, particularly those related to issues such as polygamy, the priesthood ban for black members, and the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Runnells argues that these changes indicate a lack of consistency and divine revelation, suggesting that the Church is more of a product of human evolution than divine guidance.

For example, the letter addresses the 1978 revelation that lifted the ban on black men holding the priesthood. Runnells questions why the Church had previously excluded black members from the priesthood, and why it took so long for the policy to change. He also raises concerns about other changes in doctrine and practices, such as the changing views on polygamy and the Church’s evolving stance on marriage and family issues.

Rhetorical Tactics in the CES Letter

While the arguments presented in the CES Letter are serious and raise legitimate questions, the document also employs various rhetorical tactics designed to persuade readers and create a sense of urgency and doubt. Some of these tactics include:

1. Gish Galloping

One of the main rhetorical strategies used in the CES Letter is Gish galloping, a technique in which an arguer presents a large number of arguments in rapid succession, often without allowing time for rebuttal. This tactic is named after creationist Duane Gish, who was known for overwhelming opponents with a rapid-fire series of points, even if many of the points were weak or easily refuted.

In the case of the CES Letter, Runnells presents a barrage of criticisms about Mormon history, doctrine, and practices, making it difficult for the reader to fully process or respond to each one. This can create a sense of urgency, leading the reader to believe that the sheer volume of arguments proves that there is something wrong with the Church.

2. Selective Presentation of Evidence

The CES Letter often presents selective evidence that supports Runnells’ criticisms while ignoring or dismissing evidence that might contradict his arguments. For example, when discussing the Book of Mormon’s historicity, Runnells emphasizes the lack of archaeological evidence supporting the text, but he does not address the ongoing efforts by LDS scholars and apologists to find evidence that could corroborate the Book of Mormon’s claims.

Similarly, Runnells focuses on the alleged anachronisms in the Book of Mormon, but he does not take into account new research that challenges the view that these items are out of place in the ancient Americas. By selectively presenting evidence, the CES Letter creates a skewed narrative that makes it difficult for readers to fully evaluate the issues at hand.

3. Framing and Context Omission

Runnells often frames certain events or teachings in a way that casts doubt on their authenticity, without providing the full context. For example, when discussing the various accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, Runnells highlights discrepancies in the details of the accounts, implying that this undermines the credibility of the vision. However, LDS apologists argue that the core of the First Vision account remains consistent across the different versions, and that the variations reflect the different audiences and circumstances surrounding each account.

By omitting this context, the CES Letter creates the impression that the First Vision is unreliable, when in fact many scholars believe the differences are not significant enough to disprove its authenticity.

LDS Apologetic Responses to the CES Letter

In response to the criticisms raised in the CES Letter, many LDS apologists have written rebuttals, offering alternative explanations and interpretations of the issues raised. These responses often focus on providing additional context, addressing the historical and doctrinal challenges, and explaining how the Church’s teachings can be understood in light of modern scholarship.

For example, LDS apologists argue that the absence of direct archaeological evidence for the Book of Mormon does not necessarily disprove its historical claims. They contend that the lack of evidence could be due to a variety of factors, including the possibility that much of the evidence has been lost or destroyed over time. Additionally, they point to ongoing efforts by LDS scholars to find evidence that supports the Book of Mormon’s narrative.

Similarly, when discussing changes in doctrine and practices, LDS apologists emphasize that ongoing revelation is a core principle of the Church. They argue that changes in doctrine reflect the Church’s responsiveness to new circumstances and divine guidance, rather than a lack of consistency or truth.

A faithful reply to the CES Letter often involves explaining the context in which changes occurred and clarifying the principles behind those changes. For example, many apologists explain that the Church’s past policies on race were influenced by cultural views at the time, and that the 1978 revelation reflects the dynamic and responsive nature of the Church’s leadership under divine guidance.

Conclusion

The CES Letter has had a significant impact on the ongoing conversation surrounding the LDS Church. While it raises important questions about the Church’s history, doctrine, and practices, it also employs various rhetorical tactics that can make it difficult for readers to critically evaluate the arguments presented. By understanding the core issues raised in the CES Letter and recognizing the rhetorical strategies used to frame them, readers can make more informed decisions about the validity of the claims made in the letter.

Ultimately, the CES Letter serves as a valuable tool for those questioning their faith, but it is important to approach it with a critical eye and consider the full range of evidence and perspectives before making any conclusions. Whether you are a believer, a skeptic, or someone who is simply curious, the CES Letter offers a starting point for a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding Mormon history, doctrine, and belief.As part of the broader discussion, many LDS members have provided a letter to a CES director, offering a response to the CES Letter. These rebuttals often focus on clarifying misconceptions and providing additional evidence and context that critics may overlook. In conclusion, it is essential to approach both the CES Letter rebuttal and its criticisms with an open and informed mind, ensuring that any responses or beliefs are grounded in thoughtful examination.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

Tags