| allegory |
in art or literature, the use of concrete characters, events, or things, to represent abstract qualities or ideas, often to make a point about good and evil. |
| apostate |
a person who abandons his or her religious faith, principles, cause, or the like. |
| catechism |
a summary of the principles of a religion, especially Christianity, in the form of questions and answers. |
| demean1 |
to lower in esteem, stature, or dignity; degrade. |
| dissociate |
to sever a mental connection between; separate. |
| idealist |
a person with high or noble principles, goals, or codes of action. |
| impeccable |
flawless or blameless; perfect. |
| laity |
the body of members of a religious group who are not part of the clergy. |
| myopic |
unable to see objects clearly from a distance; nearsighted. |
| penance |
an act of punishment or self-discipline voluntarily undergone to show regret at having done something wrong. |
| personable |
pleasing in appearance or manner; friendly; attractive. |
| reassess |
to evaluate again. |
| tout |
to publicize flatteringly and boastfully. |
| uninitiated |
combined form of initiated. |
| zealot |
a person who is excessively and often intolerantly enthusiastic, especially about a cause or religious faith; fanatic. |