Doubt: A Parable

Doubt: A Parable Glossary

Sermon

A talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and based on a passage from the Bible.

Parable

A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.

Doubt

A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

Parish

A small administrative district in a particular religious denomination, typically having its own church and a priest or pastor.

Diocese

A district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Christian Church.

Altar Boy

A boy who acts as a priest's assistant during a service, especially in the Roman Catholic Church.

Communion

The service of Christian worship at which bread and wine are consecrated and shared.

Principal

The person with the highest authority or most important position in an organization, institution (such as a school), or group.

Christmas Day

An annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

JFK

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, commonly referred to by his initials JFK, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963.

Altar

The table in a Christian church at which the bread and wine are consecrated in communion services.

Authoritarian

Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.

Naive

Showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.

Tradition

A belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.

Progressive

Favoring or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas.

Impressionable

Easily influenced because of a lack of critical ability.

Institution

An established law, practice, or custom.

Flirtatious

Behaving in such a way as to suggest a playful sexual attraction to someone.

Compassion

Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.