APPRENTICE SHEPARD Chapter 4: Atonement

When they informed me that I’d been called to attend my Atonement Ceremony, I felt confused. Atonement means just one thing to me, and that’s the acknowledgement of sin. I mean, I know we’re all sinners. I’ve read the Bible. I’ve heard the people with megaphones on street corners. But within the context of this order, the word made no sense to me. Since arriving here I’ve done nothing but try to be a better version of myself. I’ve worked hard. I’ve certainly always presented myself as positively as possible. What was I actually atoning for?