Keith Erekson is an award-winning author, teacher, and public historian who has published on topics including politics, hoaxes, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, and Church history. Keith grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, served a mission in Brazil, and earned advanced degrees in history and business. For seven years he directed the Church History Library, overseeing expanded online research access and enriched public exhibits, and now works for the Church History Department in efforts to encourage outreach and historical engagement. In this podcast, Kurt and Keith discuss receiving and engaging with patriarchal blessings.

2:00 Introduction and new book about understanding patriarchal blessings

6:00 Patriarchal blessings are so unique and a special part of our religion

8:00 The history of patriarchal blessings

11:45 Why a patriarchal blessing? Comparing baby blessings and patriarchal blessings

16:00 Apocryphal things people say about patriarchal blessings

18:15 Can we share our patriarchal blessing?

19:45 Be careful about your expectations of your blessing. Some blessings can be very specific and others very general.

23:00 How can Bishops help youth prepare for a blessing?

26:00 Is patriarch an official title?

27:00 Request your direct ancestors or direct descendants blessings

32:40 Keith’s thoughts on lineage. Sometimes we take the lineage too literally or as if it’s biological. Our lineage is a spiritual and a symbolic connection.

37:30 Mysteries of God are just things that He knows and we don’t know. Oftentimes we make it into more than it is, like something magical and spooky.

38:00 Our patriarchal blessing is an invitation from God to learn more about you and your relationship with Him. Our blessing is like a doorway to learn more. It’s not a destination.

40:40 Real vs rumor. It’s a rumor that Joseph Smith’s bloodline is a literal bloodline to Ephraim.

42:30 Keith’s book would be great for the person that just got their patriarchal blessing

45:00 Oldest and youngest blessings in history

46:00 Keith’s favorite stories of patriarchal blessings

49:50 Things that Keith is working on for church history. Joseph Smith Papers, last volume of Saints, Eliza R. Snow sermons, journals, and more.

52:15 Final thoughts on patriarchal blessings

Incorrect Quotes, Urban Legends, and Magical Thinking at Church | An Interview with Keith Erekson
Making Sense of Your Patriarchal Blessing
Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-Day Myths

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