Joseph Smith — "I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see."
I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see.
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Details
King Follett Discourse, referring to the traditional Christian understanding of God
Date: 1844
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Understanding this quote
What it means
The speaker commits to dismantling a false or misleading belief and revealing hidden truth beneath it. Rather than simply disagreeing, they promise active demolition of the error and full transparency—lifting a metaphorical veil so others can perceive reality directly. It implies the speaker possesses knowledge others lack and feels obligated to share it, prioritizing clarity and revelation over comfort or conformity.
Relevance to Joseph Smith
Smith built his entire ministry on claims of revealed truth hidden from the world. He described himself as a prophet who received divine visions, translated buried scripture, and restored a church corrupted over centuries. This quote mirrors his foundational identity: the one chosen to lift the veil between humanity and divine knowledge, actively refuting mainstream Christianity's doctrines through direct revelation and prophetic authority.
The era
Smith lived during the Second Great Awakening (1820s–1840s), a period of intense religious ferment in America where competing denominations each claimed exclusive truth. Skepticism toward established churches was widespread, and new religious movements flourished. In this environment, claims to special revelation and direct access to hidden divine knowledge held enormous cultural power, making Smith's promise to 'remove the veil' resonate deeply with seekers questioning traditional Protestant authority.
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