# Freethought and Freedom: How Freethinkers Attempted to Avoid Persecution

**URL:** <https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/excursions/freethought-and-freedom-how-freethinkers-attempted-to-avoid-persecution>

**By** George H. Smith

**Published:** October 25, 2017

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George H. Smith explains some tactics that early freethinkers used in the attempt to avoid punishment for blasphemy and other religious crimes.

George H. Smith explains some tactics that early freethinkers used in the attempt to avoid punishment for blasphemy and other religious crimes.

[Originally published in essay form on March 13, 2015.](https://www.libertarianism.org/columns/freethought-freedom-how-freethinkers-attempted-avoid-persecution)