The “CES Letter,” formally titled “Letter to a CES Director,” emerged as a significant challenge to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ historical narrative and truth claims. Authored by Jeremy Runnells in 2013, it quickly circulated online, becoming a central resource for those questioning their faith. The Church’s response has been multifaceted, evolving over time from initial silence to more direct engagement. This article examines the nature of the CES Letter, the official and unofficial responses from the Church, and the impact of this exchange on members and the broader religious landscape.
Understanding the CES Letter
The CES Letter is essentially a compilation of concerns and questions Runnells had regarding Church history, scripture, and doctrine. Originally addressed to a director of the Church Educational System (CES), its intended audience was someone within the Church’s leadership. However, its online accessibility transformed it into a publicly debated document.
The letter raises numerous points of contention, including:
- The Book of Mormon translation process: Questioning the use of seer stones and the accounts of eyewitnesses.
- Anachronisms in the Book of Mormon: Alleged instances of items or ideas appearing in the Book of Mormon that shouldn’t have existed in the Americas during the purported time period.
- DNA evidence and Book of Mormon origins: The lack of genetic evidence supporting the Book of Mormon’s claim that Native Americans are primarily descended from Israelites.
- The First Vision accounts: Discrepancies between different accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
- Joseph Smith’s polygamy: Questioning the circumstances and details surrounding Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy, including marriages to young women and already-married women.
- The Book of Abraham: Concerns regarding the translation of the Book of Abraham from Egyptian papyri.
These are just some of the core issues raised in the CES Letter. The document is comprehensive, referencing a wide range of sources, both pro and con, and presenting arguments that challenge the Church’s traditional explanations.
Initial Reactions and Unofficial Responses
In the immediate aftermath of the CES Letter’s widespread dissemination, the Church maintained a largely silent official stance. There were no press releases or formal statements directly addressing the document point by point. This initial silence was interpreted in various ways: some saw it as an admission that the issues raised were unanswerable, while others believed it was a strategic decision to avoid giving the letter further publicity.
However, this doesn’t mean there was no response at all. A significant amount of unofficial rebuttal came from apologists and defenders of the faith, individuals and organizations dedicated to providing answers and counter-arguments to criticisms of the Church. These responses often took the form of:
- Websites and articles: Numerous websites and articles were created to directly address the claims made in the CES Letter, offering alternative interpretations, historical context, and apologetic arguments.
- Blog posts and forum discussions: Online forums and blogs became spaces for extensive debate and discussion regarding the issues raised in the letter.
- Books and publications: Several books were published that specifically aimed to refute the claims made in the CES Letter.
These unofficial responses varied in quality and approach. Some offered nuanced and well-researched counter-arguments, while others relied on faith-based reasoning or dismissed the concerns outright. The effectiveness of these responses was also subjective, depending on the individual’s openness to considering alternative perspectives.
The Church’s Official Response: Essays and Gospel Topics
Over time, the Church began to address some of the issues raised in the CES Letter more directly, although without specifically mentioning the document itself. This shift came primarily in the form of essays published on the Church’s official website, now known as “Gospel Topics” essays.
These essays covered several of the most controversial topics, including:
- Race and the Priesthood: Addressing the historical priesthood ban and its origins.
- Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo: Providing a more detailed account of Joseph Smith’s polygamy.
- Book of Mormon Translation: Describing the translation process and the use of seer stones.
- Book of Abraham Translation: Discussing the challenges in understanding the Book of Abraham’s origins.
- First Vision Accounts: Acknowledging the existence of multiple accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision and exploring their nuances.
These essays represented a significant departure from the Church’s previous approach. They offered a more transparent and nuanced perspective on these challenging historical and doctrinal issues, acknowledging complexities and uncertainties that had often been glossed over in the past.
Key Features of the Gospel Topics Essays
The Gospel Topics essays were characterized by several key features:
- Official Source: Their publication on the Church’s official website gave them a level of authority and credibility that unofficial responses lacked.
- Scholarly Approach: The essays often cited historical sources and scholarly research, attempting to provide a more informed and objective account of the issues.
- Transparency: They were generally more transparent about the complexities and challenges associated with these topics, acknowledging historical details that had previously been downplayed or ignored.
- Faith-Based Perspective: While striving for objectivity, the essays ultimately maintained a faith-based perspective, reaffirming the Church’s core doctrines and beliefs.
The essays were not without their critics. Some felt that they didn’t go far enough in addressing the concerns raised in the CES Letter, while others argued that they still presented a biased or incomplete picture of the issues. However, they undeniably marked a significant shift in the Church’s approach to dealing with challenging historical and doctrinal questions.
Further Developments and Continued Dialogue
The publication of the Gospel Topics essays was not the end of the story. The dialogue surrounding the CES Letter and the issues it raised continues to this day. Several other developments have contributed to this ongoing conversation:
- Continued Scholarship: Scholars, both within and outside the Church, continue to research and write about these topics, contributing to a deeper understanding of Church history and doctrine.
- Open Forums and Discussions: Online forums, podcasts, and conferences provide platforms for members and former members to discuss these issues openly and honestly.
- Changes in Church Curriculum: The Church has made some changes to its curriculum to reflect the more nuanced and transparent approach presented in the Gospel Topics essays.
- Increased Emphasis on Critical Thinking: There is a growing emphasis within the Church on the importance of critical thinking and seeking out reliable sources of information.
These developments suggest a growing recognition within the Church of the need to engage with these challenging issues in a thoughtful and open manner.
The Impact of the CES Letter and the Church’s Response
The CES Letter and the Church’s response have had a profound impact on members and the broader religious landscape.
- Faith Crises: For some members, the issues raised in the CES Letter have led to faith crises, causing them to question or even abandon their beliefs. The dissonance between the traditional narrative and the information presented in the letter can be deeply unsettling.
- Strengthened Faith: For others, engaging with these issues has actually strengthened their faith. By grappling with difficult questions and finding satisfactory answers (whether through apologetics, faith, or a combination), they have developed a more nuanced and resilient belief system.
- Increased Transparency: The Church’s response, particularly the publication of the Gospel Topics essays, has led to increased transparency and a greater willingness to discuss challenging issues openly.
- Shift in Tone: There has been a noticeable shift in tone within the Church, with a greater emphasis on empathy, understanding, and acceptance of those who may be struggling with their faith.
- Broader Awareness: The CES Letter and the ensuing discussion have raised awareness of these issues among a wider audience, both within and outside the Church.
The CES Letter represents a significant inflection point in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It forced the Church to confront challenging aspects of its past and to engage in a more open and transparent dialogue with its members and the wider world. The long-term effects of this exchange are still unfolding, but it is clear that it has fundamentally altered the way the Church approaches its history, doctrine, and relationship with its members. The discussion is no longer confined to the shadows but takes place in the open, with increased accessibility to information and diverse perspectives. This evolving dynamic shapes the future of the Church and the experiences of its members.
What is the CES Letter and why is it significant in discussions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The CES Letter, written by Jeremy Runnells, is an open letter addressed to a Church Educational System (CES) director questioning the historical claims and doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It compiles a variety of arguments and criticisms against the Church’s foundational narratives, drawing from historical records, scientific findings, and theological interpretations.
Its significance lies in its widespread dissemination and influence on individuals questioning their faith or seeking a more comprehensive understanding of controversial aspects of Church history. It has become a central point of reference for those researching these issues, prompting extensive discussions and responses from both Church members and critics.
How has the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially responded to the CES Letter?
The Church has never issued a single, official, comprehensive response to the CES Letter. Instead, various Church leaders and apologists have addressed specific claims and concerns raised within the document over time, in different forums. These responses often focus on providing alternative interpretations of historical events, contextualizing controversial issues, and emphasizing the importance of faith alongside reason.
Furthermore, the Church has created and published several essays on its official website addressing sensitive topics in Church history, many of which are relevant to the issues raised in the CES Letter. These essays are designed to provide more transparency and context regarding these historical events and offer a faithful perspective on these challenges to faith.
What are some of the main criticisms leveled against the Church in the CES Letter?
The CES Letter raises numerous concerns regarding the historicity of the Book of Mormon, including the lack of archaeological evidence to support its claims and inconsistencies with known historical and scientific facts. It also challenges the Book of Abraham’s translation and authenticity, pointing to discrepancies between the text and surviving Egyptian papyri.
Additionally, the letter addresses issues of polygamy in Church history, specifically Joseph Smith’s practice of plural marriage, including its secretive nature and the ages of some of the women involved. It also questions the historicity of the First Vision narrative, noting variations in different accounts of the event.
How have Church apologists and defenders addressed the criticisms raised in the CES Letter?
Church apologists often argue that the Book of Mormon’s internal consistency and spiritual message are more important than external validation through archaeology. They propose alternative interpretations of archaeological findings, suggesting that evidence may exist but has not yet been discovered or properly interpreted within a Book of Mormon context. They often emphasize a faith-based approach, where belief precedes empirical proof.
Regarding the Book of Abraham, apologists often suggest that Joseph Smith used the papyri as a catalyst for revelation, rather than a literal translation. They propose theories that the papyri could have served as a trigger for Joseph Smith’s inspired insights. Concerning polygamy, they emphasize the historical context and religious justifications for the practice, while acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding it.
What are some common arguments made by critics of the Church in response to the Church’s defenses of its historical claims?
Critics often argue that the apologetic explanations rely too heavily on speculation and special pleading, failing to provide convincing evidence to support the Church’s claims. They contend that the reliance on faith over reason is a way to avoid directly addressing the inconsistencies and contradictions within the Church’s historical narrative. Critics often point to the lack of independent corroboration for many of the extraordinary claims made by the Church.
Furthermore, critics argue that the Church’s historical essays, while representing a step toward greater transparency, still present a biased and sanitized version of events. They claim that these essays often downplay the severity of the historical issues and fail to fully acknowledge the harm caused by certain historical practices, such as polygamy.
What is the impact of the CES Letter on individuals’ faith and belief in the Church?
The CES Letter has had a significant impact on many individuals’ faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For some, it has led to increased questioning and doubt, ultimately resulting in a loss of faith and disaffiliation from the Church. The exposure to historical and doctrinal criticisms can be particularly jarring for those who have been raised with a simplified or idealized version of Church history.
For others, the CES Letter has prompted a deeper exploration of Church history and theology, leading to a more nuanced understanding of their faith. Some individuals have found ways to reconcile their faith with the challenges presented in the letter, while others have chosen to remain active in the Church despite acknowledging the complexities and controversies within its history.
Where can individuals go to find reliable information and perspectives on both sides of the arguments surrounding the CES Letter?
To gain a balanced understanding of the arguments surrounding the CES Letter, individuals can consult a variety of sources. For the perspective of the Church, the official Church website (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and its Gospel Topics essays are valuable resources. FAIR Latter-day Saints (fairlatterdaysaints.org) is a prominent apologetic organization that provides detailed responses to criticisms against the Church.
Conversely, individuals can explore resources that present critical perspectives on the Church. The CES Letter website itself (cesletter.org) is a primary source for the original document. Websites like MormonThink.com offer a compilation of arguments and counter-arguments related to Church history and doctrine from a critical viewpoint. It is crucial to approach all sources with a critical and discerning eye, comparing different perspectives to form an informed opinion.