How kabbala shaped Mormon faith

Very interesting. I've just barely touched the surface but was thinking that most if not all of Smith's awareness of Judaism had come thru Joshua Seixas, whom I'd thought was Smith's "learned Jew."

Joseph Smith, one I accept as a prophet of God, said that "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." Joseph was a constant seeker after truth, and as you note probably encountered the Kabbala and most certainly polygamy as practiced by Old Testament patriarchs. We Mormons are encouraged to learn all that is good. To do this we must "prove all things" and this brings us into contact with ideas of all kinds. From these, of course, we hope to determine what is truth and what is not. For us as well a vital element in all searches is to try and determine if what is uncovered is compatible with the mind and will of God. Thus prophets since the beginning, Abraham, Moses and Joseph Smith for example, seek God's acceptance of ideas they come across. Phillip C. Smith

I've taught LDS (Mormon) history for over twenty years in a university setting; and this article reminds of what my family calls the "fake news." Just enough truth in it to keep it interesting and to make you wonder "where in the world did he get THAT?"

Sounds like Joseph Smith suffered what would be diagnosed as schizophrenia.