What the CES Letter Gets Right and Wrong

Where the CES Letter is Correct

The CES Letter, Jeremy Runnells’ 2013 compilation of concerns regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ truth claims, makes several points worthy of serious consideration.

1. Joseph Smith used a seer stone in a hat during Book of Mormon translation

Joseph Smith utilized a seer stone in a hat during the Book of Mormon translation process, supported by eyewitness accounts and Church publications. However, the CES Letter frames this practice dismissively without acknowledging its place in 19th-century Christian supernatural worldviews. The practice, while unconventional by modern standards, was not uncommon among religious seekers of that era.

2. The First Vision accounts differ in detail

Joseph Smith left at least four primary accounts of the First Vision, and they differ in emphasis and detail. This variation is natural when retelling genuine experiences and does not necessarily indicate deception. People often emphasize different aspects of significant personal experiences in different contexts.

3. Native American ancestry includes East Asian populations

DNA evidence demonstrates Native American ancestry traces primarily to East Asian populations. While this appears to conflict with Book of Mormon narratives, it doesn’t necessarily contradict claims about small migrating groups whose genetic markers could be diluted over millennia. The relationship between ancient Book of Mormon populations and modern Native American genetic ancestry remains a complex historical question.

Where the CES Letter Errs

The CES Letter also contains significant oversimplifications and inaccurate claims that merit examination.

1. Claim that the Church discourages intellectual inquiry

The CES Letter claims the Church discourages intellectual inquiry, yet historical data contradicts this. Latter-day Saints pursue higher education at elevated rates and are encouraged to “seek learning” through both religious and secular education. The Church has historically supported education and scholarship among its members.

2. Doubts about the Three Witnesses

The letter questions the reliability of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, despite their remarkably consistent lifetime testimonies. These witnesses maintained their testimonies even during estrangement from Joseph Smith, when recanting would have provided social and financial benefits. Their unwavering accounts despite personal conflict with Smith suggest genuine conviction.

3. “No archaeological evidence” for the Book of Mormon

The CES Letter asserts there is “no archaeological evidence” for the Book of Mormon, overlooking how New World archaeology functions as a discipline. Recent archaeological discoveries have revealed previously unknown ancient Mesoamerican urban centers and demonstrated greater complexity in pre-Columbian civilizations than was understood when the letter was written.