Can a mistake be so big, that the one who did will never have your respect again?

[Der/die AtheistIn]

You are entitled to feel the way you feel. I am not saying that you are wrong. People make mistakes. There isn't a single perfect being anywhere.

For me, there's a difference between an honest mistake, and lying to cover up something that was absolutely intentional.

You are entitled as well to feel the way you do. And I agree that there is a difference between doing an honest mistake and covering something intentional. I do see the latter as worse and I do appreciate good intentions, but I have bigger expectations from people that are both good and smart. Sure, nobody is perfect, but I do have a line when it comes to mistakes that you do not cross.