Study and Faith

Welcome to the CES Letters, where we respond to the questions and concerns posed in the CES Letter. Today Dr. Ugo A. Perego discusses DNA & the Book of Mormon with Eastin M. HartzellDr. Perego is a molecular biologist and population geneticist with a B.S. and M.S. in Health Sciences from Brigham Young University, and a Ph.D. in Human Genetics and Biomolecular Sciences from the University of Pavia, Italy. Dr. Perego has over 20 years of experience in the field of genetic genealogy and population genetics. From 1999 to 2012, Dr. Perego was a Senior Researcher and Director of Operations at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMFG) in Salt Lake City, Utah. During that time, he traveled the world collecting genealogical data and biological specimens with the objective of building the world’s largest and most comprehensive database of correlated genealogical and genetic data. In 2012, SMGF was sold to Ancestry.com and the data that was collected and produced became one of the reference databases for the autosomal DNA test offered by Ancestry. Following this, Dr. Perego worked for S&I and CES in Italy. He is now a professor in Illinois.WEBSITE:www.cesletters.orgSOCIAL MEDIA:⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesletters/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/cesletters⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CESLetters

Dive into the dynamics of politics and faith during divisive times. The conversation tackles how political views can strain relationships within religious communities. Discover how historical teachings clash with personal beliefs. The need for unity and civil discourse is emphasized, alongside the role of church leaders in fostering dialogue. The speakers advocate for peace through the principles of Christ-like virtues and explore the vision of Zion as a sanctuary for diverse values in today's polarized world.

Dr. Steven C. Harper, a prominent scholar in religious studies, dives into the intriguing world of the Book of Mormon witnesses. He discusses anti-intellectualism and its implications on faith. The conversation touches on lesser-known contributors to the translation process and examines the credibility of Oliver Cowdery. Harper also compares the testimonies related to the Book of Mormon with those of the lesser-known plates of Vooray, offering insights into their historical significance. Personal anecdotes and a blend of humor make the discussion both enlightening and enjoyable.

Join Eastin M. Hartzell and Steven C. Harper as we dive into one question submitted by a viewer like you. We will think slow, recognize what we know and how we know it, and give additional resources to study! Today we discuss: How do I talk about polygamy with others? Additional Resources:Let's Talk about Polygamy by Brittany Chapman Nash - https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P5244297.htmlThe Two Trees by Valerie Hudson - https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2010/the-two-treesJoseph Smith's Polygamy by Brian Hales - https://josephsmithspolygamy.org/Gospel Topic Essays - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/the-manifesto-and-the-end-of-plural-marriage?lang=engLatter-day Saints and Polygamy by Mormonr - https://mormonr.org/qnas/tM3Gfb/latter_day_saints_and_polygamy#q-b15h6Jrkun7RLs45FfLUIf you would like to submit a question for us to answer, click here: https://www.cesletters.org/contribute

Welcome to the CES Letters, where we respond to the questions and concerns posed in the CES Letter. Today Dr. Steven C. Harper discusses anti-intellectualism.WEBSITE: www.cesletters.orgSOCIAL MEDIA:⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesletters/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/cesletters⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CESLetters

Join authors Edward Kimball and W. Paul Reeve as they tackle the intricate history of race and the priesthood within the church. Kimball unveils insights from his work on priesthood revelation, while Reeve sheds light on the cultural roots behind the historical ban on Black individuals. They discuss the complexities of church leadership, the need for deeper understanding of faith, and explore pathways toward inclusivity. This conversation is both enlightening and thought-provoking, encouraging listeners to continue their exploration of these vital issues.

Dr. Steven C. Harper, a historian and expert on the First Vision, dives into the intriguing connections between Freemasonry and Latter-day Saint temple practices. He explains the historical journey of Freemasonry and its controversies, including the pivotal disappearance of William Morgan. Harper discusses Joseph Smith's Masonic initiation and its influence on temple endowment ceremonies, and recent changes to sacred rituals from 2020 to 2024. He emphasizes the need for open dialogue within the community on sensitive topics like love and faith.

Welcome to the CES Letters, where we respond to the questions and concerns posed in the CES Letter. Today Michael Peterson joins us for part 2 of an in-depth study surrounding the author of the CES Letter.SUPPLEMENTARY RESPONSE:Read ⁠here: ⁠⁠https://www.cesletters.org/post/were-these-ever-the-questions-of-a-sincere-truth-seeker-by-michael-w-peterson-and-jacob-z-hessWEBSITE:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.cesletters.org⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cesletters/⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/cesletters⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CESLetters

Welcome to the CES Letters, where we respond to the questions and concerns posed in the CES Letter. Today Sarah Allen, Steven C. Harper, and Eastin M. Hartzell discuss Sarah's experience responding to the CES Letter.SUPPLEMENTARY RESPONSE:Read ⁠here: Coming soon...WEBSITE:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.cesletters.org⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cesletters/⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/cesletters⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CESLetters

Michael Peterson, a scholar focused on religious studies, delves into the origins and implications of the CES Letter. He critiques the motivations behind its author’s inquiries, questioning their sincerity. The discussion highlights personal faith crises and the challenges presented by misinformation in digital discourse. Peterson also examines the influence of presentation on narrative engagement and the implications of faith and doubt within the Latter-day Saint community. The exploration raises important questions about mentorship and the nuances of church criticism.