The CES Letter, formally known as the “Letter to a CES Director,” has become a significant document within and outside the Mormon community. Authored by Jeremy Runnells, the CES Letter raises numerous questions and criticisms about the history, doctrine, and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This overview will answer key questions such as: Who wrote the CES Letter, what are the CES Letters, and provide a Mormon CES Letter summary.
Who Wrote the CES Letter?
Jeremy Runnells, who wrote the CES Letter, is a former member of the LDS Church. Runnells, a lifelong Mormon, found himself grappling with doubts and questions about his faith. In an attempt to resolve these issues, he engaged in extensive research and compiled his concerns into a letter addressed to a CES (Church Educational System) director. This letter, originally intended as a personal inquiry for clarification, soon gained widespread attention after Runnells published it online.
Runnells’ motivation for writing the CES Letter was that his grandfather asked him to write down his concerns for his friend, a CES director. However, he never received a response. After publishing it online, the document quickly spread, resonating with many others who shared similar questions and uncertainties about their faith.
The CES Letter
Sometimes the question, what are the CES Letters, has emerged. Although the letter is extensive, spanning over 90 pages and covering a multitude of topics, the title is singular, the CES Letter. The CES Letter written by Jeremy Runnells has elicited many responses, rebuttals, and discussions that have. The CES Letter itself is a detailed document that outlines numerous issues related to LDS Church history, doctrine, and practices. It covers a wide range of topics, including.
CES Letter Summary
A Mormon CES Letter summary encapsulates the essence of the questions and concerns raised by Jeremy Runnells in his document. Here are some of the issues raised by Runnells in the CES Letter:
- Translation of the Book of Mormon: Runnells questions the traditional account of the Book of Mormon’s translation. He points to historical evidence suggesting that Joseph Smith used a seer stone placed in a hat, rather than the Urim and Thummim, to translate the text. This method, he argues, is inconsistent with the church’s portrayal of the translation process.
- Book of Abraham: The CES Letter criticizes the authenticity of the Book of Abraham, a scriptural text in the LDS canon. Runnells references scholarly studies indicating that the papyri from which the Book of Abraham was purportedly translated are actually common funerary texts from ancient Egypt, unrelated to Abraham.
- Polygamy: Runnells addresses the practice of polygamy, particularly Joseph Smith’s involvement. He raises concerns about Smith’s marriage to young girls and women who were already married, questioning the moral and ethical implications of these practices.
- First Vision Accounts: The CES Letter examines the various accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, noting discrepancies and changes in the narrative over time. Runnells argues that these inconsistencies cast doubt on the veracity of Smith’s foundational experience.
- Kinderhook Plates: Runnells highlights the incident of the Kinderhook Plates, which were presented to Joseph Smith as ancient artifacts. Smith initially claimed to translate them, but they were later revealed to be a modern hoax, raising questions about his prophetic abilities.
- Archaeological Evidence: The letter critiques the lack of archaeological evidence supporting the events and civilizations described in the Book of Mormon. Runnells compares this to the wealth of archaeological evidence supporting the Bible, arguing that this absence undermines the historicity of the Book of Mormon.
- Changes in Doctrine: The CES Letter points to changes in church doctrine and practices over time, including the cessation of polygamy and the lifting of the priesthood ban on black members. Runnells questions the divine nature of revelations that seem to shift with social and political pressures.
These major themes are all included in the CES Letter, but a Mormon CES Letter summary shows that there are thirteen topics in the letter, which are:
- Book of Mormon,
- Book of Mormon Translation,
- First Vision,
- Book of Abraham,
- Polygamy/Polyandry,
- Prophets,
- Kinderhook Plates and Translator Claims,
- Testimony and Spiritual Witness,
- Priesthood Restoration, Witnesses,
- Temples and Freemasonry,
- Science, and
- Other Concerns
Conclusion
The CES Letter, written by Jeremy Runnells, has become a pivotal document for many within the LDS Church and those studying it from outside. By compiling a comprehensive list of questions and criticisms, Runnells sought to engage in a deeper exploration of his faith. The document has sparked extensive discussion and debate, leading to numerous responses and rebuttals. Understanding the CES Letter and its critiques provides valuable insight into the ongoing conversation about faith, history, and doctrine within Mormonism.