Jean Meslier | |
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Church | Catholic Church |
Personal details | |
Born | |
Died | 17 June 1729 Étrépigny, France | (aged 65)
Nationality | French |
Denomination | Catholic (publicly) Atheist (privately) |
Jean Meslier (French: [melje]; also Mellier; 15 June 1664[1] – 17 June 1729) was a French Catholic priest (abbé) who was discovered, upon his death, to have written a book-length philosophical essay promoting atheism and materialism. Described by the author as his "testament" to his parishioners, the text criticizes and denounces all religions.