MormonTimes.com: BYU scholar researching Book of Abraham origins

PROVO -- A Brigham Young University Egyptologist and researcher says scholars cannot prove or disprove the authenticity of the Book of Abraham, a book of scripture in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Pearl of Great Price.

Speaking in a forum at the Olivewood Book Store, John Gee said he is studying numerous theories as to the origin of the Book of Abraham, and the three facsimiles included with it in the Pearl of Great Price. "The best theory isn't out there," he said.

Joseph Smith, prophet and founder of the LDS Church, said he translated the Book of Abraham from ancient papyri the church obtained from Michael Chandler's traveling exhibition of Egyptian artifacts. While some believe he used the Urim and Thummim to translate the scroll, no eyewitness accounts of him using the ancient device exist. Most Latter-day Saints don't care how the translation was done, Gee said.

Read the full story at MormonTimes.com