Atoners

Atoners are individuals or entities who make amends, offer expiation, or perform acts of penance to reconcile with a perceived wrong or offense. The term often carries religious or moral connotations, suggesting a desire to repair a damaged relationship or restore spiritual purity. They attempt to balance the scales of justice, either in their own eyes or in the eyes of a higher power or the community. Atoners might engage in acts of contrition, offer reparations, or undergo rituals of cleansing, all aimed at achieving forgiveness, redemption, and the cessation of negative consequences arising from a past transgression.

Atoners meaning with examples

• The community looked for leadership, a council of Atoners to assist in healing from the terrible acts of violence that devastated the small rural area. Their goal was not revenge, but reconciliation, and these Atoners needed to guide them. They aimed to provide a sense of closure and the opportunity for a new beginning. The Atoners would facilitate dialogue between victims and perpetrators.
• Following the financial scandal, the board of directors appointed a panel of Atoners to review the company's practices and identify areas for improvement. These Atoners would analyze all of their business dealings. They took significant steps, publicly apologizing and implementing stricter ethical guidelines. They demonstrated a genuine commitment to restoring public trust through their actions and their words.
• In ancient religious practices, priests often served as Atoners, offering sacrifices and performing rituals to appease the gods and atone for the sins of the people. These Atoners carried out elaborate ceremonies. The purpose was to cleanse the community of impurity and prevent divine retribution. Their role was crucial in maintaining social order and ensuring the prosperity of the civilization, they hoped.
• The author of a controversial novel spent years as an Atoner, engaging in philanthropic work and publicly acknowledging the harm her book caused. These Atoners reached out and communicated with the community in hopes of helping the community understand her point of view. She attempted to repair her reputation. She wanted to atone for the offense by supporting causes that counteracted the negative impact of her work, she hoped.
• After a significant disagreement, the siblings acted as Atoners, taking responsibility for their part in the conflict and working to mend their strained relationship. These Atoners spent time reflecting on their behavior, expressed remorse, and made genuine efforts to change. Their actions reflected their love for each other. They began a campaign of gifts and acts of kindness to show their remorse.