Atonement

Atonement "is closely associated to forgiveness, reconciliation, sorrow, remorse, repentance, reparation, and guilt".

[2] Expiation is the related concept of removing guilt, particularly the undoing of sin or other transgressions in religious contexts.

For example, in Native American and Mestizo cultures of the Americas, "[s]ince sin and guilt are among the principal causes of illness and maladjustment... confession, atonement, and absolution are frequent rituals used in treatment.

In some cases, atonement is accomplished through prayer or penance; in others, it may involve cleansing the body, accomplished by brushing the body with branches of rosemary or by sprinkling it with holy water".

Twelve-step programs include an atonement or "making amends" phase (steps 8 and 9).