Understanding the CES Letter and Its Controversy

LDS Perspective

The CES Letter, written by Jeremy Runnells and released in 2013, is a document that raises a series of questions and concerns about the doctrines and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It was initially intended as a private letter addressed to the Church Educational System (CES) director inquiring about several contentious issues related to church history and teachings. However, the letter rapidly gained popularity online, becoming a widely circulated critique of LDS beliefs and prompting a significant response from church leaders, scholars, and members. The controversy surrounding the CES Letter stems from its content and the manner in which it presents its arguments. Critics of the letter argue that it misrepresents certain aspects of Church history

Historical Perspective

The CES Letter, formally titled "Letter to a CES Director," was authored by Jeremy Runnells and initially penned in 2013 as a personal inquiry directed to a Church Educational System (CES) director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The letter emerged from Runnells’ growing concerns about the historical and doctrinal assertions of the LDS Church, reflecting a faith crisis he began experiencing around 2012. Runnells outlined numerous questions and issues he found troubling, spanning topics such as the historicity of the Book of Mormon, the accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision, the practice of polygamy, and the translation of the Book of Abraham. Following its public release, the CES Letter gained significant traction, reportedly accruing over 600,000 downloa