Alright, this was originally closed but was reopened for a day.
In short (in case I have not explained properly):
We are told to avoid backbiting. Does this extend to historical figures? After all, those in the afterlife are people, too. We may even see them again some day. Many say to not talk badly about the dead. But does that have an expiration date?
When does learning/speaking about the bad someone has done turn into backbiting? How to avoid this when it comes to historical figures, if it is something to avoid at all?
Is being interested in the peculiarities of an event enough of a reason to listen to someone divulge some sins of someone that has come to light after hundreds or thousands of years? Does there need to be a much higher purpose (obviously, it shouldn’t just be an idle curiosity)?
Thanks.
(After speaking to the moderator, he graciously reopened the thread. I have used this opportunity to correct the topic to Moral Theology).