Shulem wrote:In conclusion: The apologists are stuck with questions that have no answers and thus rely on faith and testimony in their prophet while the critics sustain modern Egyptology which proves conclusively that Smith's work was a fraud. There is a big difference between the two.
The same holds true for professional LDS researchers that find themselves having to put faith and testimony ahead of Egyptology and the damning evidence against the Book of Abraham. Consider for example, Jay M. Todd; Saga of the Book of Abraham 1969:
“The issue is a confusing one at present.” P. 253
“These are major questions. Perhaps their answers will not be known until that great day when all things are truly known.” P. 289
“In time perhaps we shall know. But this much we do know — we do not know the answer now.” P.290
“Perhaps this view is correct. Perhaps it is not. Only time will tell. P.314
“One wonders, therefore, if the Prophet did indeed think he knew the identity of one of the mummies he had acquired.” P.316
“Obviously, these are questions and relationships that are beyond solution at the present time.” P. 317
“So much for what is public information of the ‘Valuable Discovery.’ Again, its ultimate meaning and value are not known.” P. 318
“Once more, only time will tell.” P. 319
“Only time will reveal the soundness of its conclusions.” P. 380
~ Thus faith and testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith Trump science and Egyptology
