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I have been wondering about this lately. To commit a mortal sin, among other things, you must know and accept that it is a mortal sin. Would an atheist be able to do this? Where, if it exists, is the line between knowing and believing? Peace!
I would say it is certainly possible. The moral law, we believe, is written on our heart, and conscience, properly formed, often testifies to the truth. An atheist might perpetrate an evil act, knowing full well it is evil (even though lacking in belief), and therefore commit what we call "mortal sin".
He might not classify it as "evil", but he may full well know that it is intrinsically repulsive and contrary to human dignity. Even if he can not formulate it conceptually. People also might deceive themselves through poor or permissive philosophy [motivated by various appetites] and dull their mind through gradual indulgence in sin. When we choose-even bit by bit- a path for the mind which leads to the breakdown of morality, we may very well be guilty of mortal sin, IMO.
I have been wondering about this lately. To commit a mortal sin, among other things, you must know and accept that it is a mortal sin. Would an atheist be able to do this? Where, if it exists, is the line between knowing and believing? Peace!
I can beat that. My entire existence is mortal sin.I try to commit several every day.
I can beat that. My entire existence is mortal sin.
I have been wondering about this lately. To commit a mortal sin, among other things, you must know and accept that it is a mortal sin. Would an atheist be able to do this? Where, if it exists, is the line between knowing and believing? Peace!