CES Letter — Scripture

CES Letter and the Questions of Mormon Scripture

Why does an earnest, heartfelt inquiry from a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remain unanswered by church leadership? This question matters because it touches on a central issue faced by many religious communities today: the tension between established doctrine and the quest for transparency. Jeremy Runnells' "CES Letter" acts as a lightning rod for such discussions, highlighting significant queries regarding the origins and veracity of Mormon scripture.

Background: Origins of the CES Letter

The catalyst for the CES Letter arose from Runnells's personal crisis of faith. Raised as a committed member of the LDS Church, Runnells embarked on a spiritual journey typical for many in the faith: achieving key milestones such as serving a mission and marrying in an LDS temple. In 2013, facing unresolved questions about the church’s origins and history, Runnells compiled these into a letter directed to a CES Director with the hope of obtaining official answers. Despite promises, a response never materialized.

Key Claims and Evidence in the CES Letter

The heart of the CES Letter is a collection of pointed questions about the authenticity and historical reliability of Mormon scripture, including the Book of Mormon. Runnells challenges the narrative of how these scriptures came to be and questions the scientific and textual evidence supporting them. Specifically, he probes: Translation Methods: The description of Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon using seer stones conflicts with official church narratives presented to members over decades. Anachronisms: The presence of animals, plants, and technologies within the Book of Mormon that did not exist in pre-Columbian America raises historical inconsistencies. Authorship: Questions on the actual source material for these religious texts, with parallels drawn to contemporary 19th-century texts and theories about possible ghostwriting.