# Freethought and Freedom: Jean Meslier and the Catholic Church **URL:** **By** George H. Smith **Published:** January 31, 2018 --- George H. Smith explains the role of the Catholic Church in the French government, and how Jean Meslier reconciled his atheism with his role as a priest. George H. Smith explains the role of the Catholic Church in the French government, and how Jean Meslier reconciled his atheism with his role as a priest. [Originally published in essay form on August 7, 2015.](https://www.libertarianism.org/columns/freethought-freedom-jean-meslier-catholic-church)