Atonement

My first encounter with the word atonement happened sometime around early 2008, when the movie Atonement, based on the novel of the same name by Ian McEwan, was in theaters. I saw the movie; however, I did not understand the meaning of the title under a year or so later when I finally learned the definition of atonement. Atonement is defined by Dictionary.com as "satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends." Those familiar with the plot of Atonement will find the title to perfectly represent the meaning of the novel/movie. I only read the novel recently, but it is one of my favorites, hence why I was so interested in researching the word atonement. I believe that atonement holds such a powerful meaning -- far more than words like amends or reparations. Atonement also often contains a religious connotation, as the concept of atonement is prevalent in Judaism and Christianity. I look forward to discovering more about the religious and secular meanings of atonement throughout history.