A 15 yr. old is easily mislead and tricked...and in Smiths case all the more for his family environment who practiced witchcraft and various other dark practices...which is exactly what happened to Smith. Thereafter he sought further “experiences” and “apparitions”...not to mention his later involvement in Masonry..which has many symbols and dark rituals of that time. So his “diet” of false and deceptive teachings was fueled time and again.
Smiths foundations were built on “feelings” and “experiences” he sought and found. Once a person seeks these, and the enemy of mens souls is happy to provide, then it is very difficult to steer people away from these, for to them they truly “believe” what they are experiencing is from God...though the “reality” is in direct opposition to God. To turn from these perceived “spiritual” encounters of the nicest kind, in their minds, means giving up the fantasy and sense of “specialness’ they feel for having something most don't.
Unfortunately Smith was scammed big time and those since who have followed his teachings. Despite the many times God used men to steer Smith back to the faith with warnings and in some cases great urgency from those who genuinely cared for him. Still he was determined to hold onto his experiences and in time denounced Christianity all together as he built his own following.
The path Smith took is a typical for cult leaders..as is the indoctrination process he used to control and maneuver his followers. That same indoctrination is used today to the uninformed....and in reality was used in the Garden centuries ago to deceive and take mankind down a road of self destruction.
My comment was not about “concerns “ Paragon...it was an opinion of why Smith was obviously already primed for occult influences by his families involvement in these practices throughout his childhood.
Sounds just like a concern to me. Anyway, please check out the links. We may just have to disagree. Thanks much! - PD