Q&A: Lack of Knowledge at the Time of the Sin
Lack of Knowledge at the Time of the Sin
Question
Hello Rabbi,
If a person committed an offense against another person, knowing that it was a transgression like any other and that one day he would have to repent between himself and his Creator, and afterward it became clear to him that he also has to appease his fellow person—what obligation of repentance applies to him? According to the belief he held earlier, that this was only a transgression between him and his Creator? Or since he has now gained additional knowledge, is he obligated to act on it?
And what about an atheist who seemingly committed a transgression while he was an atheist. Years later he repented and became a believer—does he need to repent as though he sinned as a believer, or not?
Answer
I didn’t understand the first question. Why should I care what he thought in the past? If he harmed his fellow, he has to appease him and make peace with him.
In my opinion, an atheist is under duress and does not need to repent for anything.