a pernicious and malign influence that is hard to get rid of; "racism is a pestilence at the heart of the nation"; "according to him, I was the canker in their midst"
a doctrine that is believed to be of great importance; "Newton's writings were gospel for those who followed"
the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Christ's life and teachings
an unquestionable truth; "his word was gospel"
folk music consisting of a genre of a cappella music originating with Black slaves in the United States and featuring call and response; influential on the development of other genres of popular music (especially soul)