The “CES Letter” is a document authored by Jeremy Runnells that raises a series of questions and criticisms about the history and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Since its publication, the CES Letter has gained significant attention, sparking discussions among members and critics of the Church alike. While some find it convincing, others have pointed out significant flaws and misconceptions in its arguments. In this article, we aim to address these issues in a friendly and thoughtful manner.
What is the CES Letter?
The CES Letter, short for the “Church Educational System Letter,” was originally written as a letter to an LDS Church leader. It was intended to outline the author’s doubts and concerns about the Church’s truth claims, history, and practices. Over time, the letter expanded into a widely circulated document that some view as a comprehensive critique of the Church.
The letter raises questions about various topics, including the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling, the Book of Abraham, and other doctrinal and historical issues. While it claims to provide compelling evidence against the Church’s claims, it often relies on incomplete information, outdated scholarship, and misleading interpretations. The Mormonism Explained team has a detailed process of CES Letter Debunking, which is entrenched in research and scholarship.
Misrepresentations of Church History
One of the primary critiques of the CES Letter is its treatment of Church history. The letter often presents a skewed or one-sided perspective, emphasizing negative interpretations while ignoring evidence that supports the Church’s narrative. For example, it highlights the challenges surrounding Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon but overlooks the accounts of witnesses who described miraculous and spiritual experiences during the translation process.
Historical study is complex, and the CES Letter frequently oversimplifies nuanced issues. For instance, it raises concerns about Joseph Smith’s polygamy but fails to acknowledge the cultural and religious context of the practice in the 19th century. Moreover, the letter often omits modern research that sheds light on these historical issues in ways that align with the Church’s teachings.
The Book of Mormon and Ancient Connections
The CES Letter questions the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, claiming it is a work of 19th-century fiction. However, this assertion ignores the growing body of evidence that supports the book’s ancient origins. For instance, linguistic studies have identified Semitic patterns and chiasmus—a literary structure common in ancient Near Eastern texts—within the Book of Mormon.
Additionally, archaeological findings in Mesoamerica align with several cultural and geographical details described in the Book of Mormon. While these findings do not conclusively prove the book’s authenticity, they provide substantial reasons to take its claims seriously.
The Book of Abraham in Context
Another frequent target of criticism is the Book of Abraham, a scriptural text translated by Joseph Smith from ancient Egyptian papyri. The CES Letter argues that Joseph’s translation does not match modern Egyptological interpretations of the papyri.
However, it is important to understand that the Book of Abraham was likely inspired by the papyri rather than being a literal translation. Many scholars believe that Joseph used the papyri as a catalyst for receiving revelation, a process consistent with the broader LDS understanding of how scripture is produced. This perspective helps reconcile apparent discrepancies while maintaining the text’s spiritual significance.
Faith and the Role of Revelation
A recurring theme in the CES Letter is the demand for empirical evidence to support faith. While evidence is important and can strengthen belief, faith ultimately requires trust in God and personal revelation. The CES Letter often dismisses spiritual experiences as subjective or unreliable, but for millions of Latter-day Saints, such experiences are a foundational part of their testimony.
The LDS Church encourages members to seek knowledge through both study and faith. This balanced approach recognizes that spiritual truths often transcend what can be proven through historical or scientific means alone. Personal prayer, scripture study, and participation in religious ordinances are key ways members come to know the truth of the Church’s teachings.
The CES Letter and Contextual Bias
A major issue with the CES Letter is its reliance on outdated or disproven sources. For example, it frequently cites early critics of the Church whose claims have since been refuted by more recent scholarship. By failing to engage with contemporary research, the letter presents a distorted view of the Church and its teachings.
Furthermore, the CES Letter often assumes the worst possible motives for Joseph Smith and other early Church leaders. This approach contrasts with the more charitable perspective encouraged by the Savior, who taught us to judge others righteously and seek understanding before drawing conclusions.
The CES Letter has undoubtedly sparked important conversations about faith and history, but it is not without its flaws. Many of its arguments rely on incomplete or outdated information, and its conclusions often ignore evidence that supports the claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For those grappling with doubts, it is crucial to approach questions with an open heart and a willingness to seek both spiritual and intellectual understanding. Faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive; they can coexist as part of a sincere journey toward truth. By studying history in context, relying on modern scholarship, and seeking personal revelation, individuals can find peace and clarity in their spiritual path.
