Chapter 8 Summary

Severo and Beneditx are talking to Palinor, who continues to insist that he is an atheist. Severo notes that Palinor approached the meeting with confidence, as if he were an invited guest rather than a man arguing for his future. Palinor asks the men how they define and atheist, and Palinor says he does not fit the definition of one who rebels against God and is murderous and full of rage.

Palinor says he better fits the second definition of an atheist, which is someone who has convinced himself by false reasoning that God doesn't exist. He says in Aclar religion is a private matter, and atheists are as likely to break the law as Christians. Palinor adds that rational men find logical reasons for obeying the law rather than out of a desire to please God.

Palinor then asks if he can...