Mormon CES Letter Breakdown: Key Points and Critical Responses
The Mormon CES letter is one of the most talked-about documents among those exploring or questioning their beliefs in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Originally written by Jeremy Runnells in response to doubts he had about LDS teachings, the letter was addressed to a Church Educational System (CES) director. Since then, it has spread widely online, prompting intense conversations about faith, church history, and doctrine. For many, it raises serious questions. For others, it becomes a springboard for deeper study and a more grounded understanding of their beliefs.
Understanding what is the CES letter Mormon members encounter often begins with curiosity. Some hear about it through friends or on social media. Others come across it during personal study or while searching for answers to long-held questions. Regardless of how one is introduced to it, the Mormon CES letter challenges readers to wrestle with complex issues, including Joseph Smith’s prophetic role, plural marriage, Book of Mormon translation, and church history narratives.
What Is the CES Letter Mormon Audiences Are Reading?
When people ask what is the CES letter Mormon members are discussing, they’re usually referring to a lengthy, question-filled document that expresses doubt about many core teachings of the LDS Church. It touches on dozens of issues, many of which are sensitive or lesser-known to the average churchgoer. The tone of the letter is often skeptical, and it presents a wide array of historical facts and interpretations meant to cast doubt on traditional LDS teachings.
While the letter raises important questions, it’s not a balanced presentation. It tends to emphasize problems without offering space for faith-based explanations, historical context, or doctrinal development. That’s why many who read it initially feel shocked or shaken—especially if they were unaware of the topics discussed. However, many faithful scholars, historians, and members have since offered thoughtful responses and resources that help place the information in a broader context.
The LDS CES letter has motivated many to reexamine their faith, but it’s also encouraged deeper, more meaningful study. It’s important to remember that asking questions is not only acceptable—it’s encouraged. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, members are invited to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” That principle is essential when approaching challenging content.
Context Is Everything
One of the most important aspects of reading the Mormon CES letter is realizing that history is complex. No religious tradition has a flawless past, and expecting perfection can lead to unnecessary disillusionment. Early church leaders lived in different times, and their actions and decisions were influenced by cultural, legal, and social conditions of the 19th century.
Many of the concerns in the letter—such as seer stones, polygamy, and differing accounts of the First Vision—are now addressed openly by the Church through resources like the Gospel Topics Essays. These essays, which are available on the official church website, provide well-documented and faith-affirming explanations. They don’t dodge hard questions but instead invite readers to consider multiple perspectives and reflect on what these truths mean in the bigger picture of the Restoration.
Responses to the LDS CES letter have also emphasized the importance of framing. When issues are presented in a way that assumes deception or bad intent, it’s easy to come away feeling betrayed. But when these topics are studied in their full context—historically, spiritually, and scripturally—they often make much more sense, even if they still require faith.
Faith, Doubt, and Spiritual Growth
It’s normal to experience moments of doubt, especially when confronted with unfamiliar or unsettling information. But faith isn’t about having every answer—it’s about choosing to trust in God while continuing to seek truth. Many people who read the Mormon CES letter initially feel uncertain, but with time, study, prayer, and open conversation, they emerge with a stronger, more resilient testimony.
This experience is deeply personal. For some, it means revisiting scriptures with new eyes. For others, it means diving into historical documents, listening to faithful scholars, or talking with trusted church leaders and friends. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s okay.
What matters most is approaching the questions with an open heart. Rather than rushing to conclusions, taking the time to reflect, learn, and grow can lead to a deeper relationship with God and a more informed faith.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The internet has made it easier than ever to access all kinds of information—both accurate and misleading. That’s why it’s so important to find trustworthy, balanced resources when studying topics like those in the Mormon CES letter. Seek out materials that not only present the facts but also offer faithful insights. Look for voices that speak with compassion, not condemnation.
Remember, asking what is the CES letter Mormon members talk about doesn’t have to lead to doubt. It can also be the beginning of a meaningful journey toward spiritual maturity. Learning about church history, doctrine, and the lives of early Saints can deepen one’s appreciation for the Restoration—not diminish it.
The Mormon CES letter has certainly stirred many conversations within and outside the LDS community. It has led some to question, others to study, and many to grow. While the questions it raises are real and deserve thoughtful consideration, they don’t have to lead to a loss of faith. With the right mindset, respectful dialogue, and an open heart, readers can find answers that inspire trust, encourage humility, and reaffirm belief.
Ultimately, faith is not about avoiding questions—it’s about what we do with them. And when we approach those questions with honesty, patience, and faith, we often find more than just answers—we find peace.