Definition

1. Noun:
   • A doctrine or principle believed to be of great and fundamental importance: A set of ideas or rules that is accepted as completely true and authoritative by a particular group.
   • The teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament: Specifically, the message concerning the redemption of humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
   • Any of the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John): Each of these books narrates the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
   • Absolute truth; something that is unquestionably true: A statement or fact that is accepted as completely reliable and undeniable.
   • A style of religious music, especially a genre of American popular music rooted in the evangelistic church singing of Black communities: A musical genre characterized by dominant vocals, often with Christian lyrics, call-and-response patterns, and emotional delivery.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Doctrine/Principle):
  • For many environmentalists, the report on climate change is treated as gospel.
  • He follows the gospel of hard work and discipline.
• Noun (Biblical Teachings/Books):
  • The priest preached from the Gospel of Luke.
  • Missionaries travel the world to spread the gospel.
• Noun (Absolute Truth):
  • You can't just accept everything you read online as gospel.
  • He spoke with such conviction that his words were taken as gospel.
• Noun (Music Genre):
  • Aretha Franklin's roots are in gospel music.
  • The choir sang a powerful gospel song.

Advanced Usage

• "To preach/take/spread the gospel": To advocate for a set of beliefs or principles with strong conviction.
  • She travels the country preaching the gospel of financial literacy.
• "Gospel truth": Something that is considered completely and unquestionably true.
  • He swore his story was the gospel truth.

Variants and Related Words

• Gospel (adj.): Pertaining to the gospel or gospel music.
  • A gospel choir.
  • A gospel singer.
• Evangelical (adj.): Related to the preaching of the gospel; zealously advocating a cause. (Note: This is a related concept but a distinct word.)

Synonyms

• Doctrine: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a group.
• Creed: A system of religious or other belief.
• Dogma: A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
• Truth: That which is true or in accordance with fact.

Related Phrases

• To take something as gospel: To believe something completely without question.
  • You shouldn't take every news headline as gospel; always verify the facts.

Related Idioms

• The gospel according to [someone]: A humorous or ironic way to refer to the strong personal beliefs or opinions of a particular person, treated as authoritative.
  • According to the gospel according to my grandfather, a firm handshake is the key to success.

Noun

1. a doctrine that is believed to be of great importance
   • Newton's writings were gospel for those who followed
2. the written body of teachings of a religious group that are generally accepted by that group
3. 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)
4. an unquestionable truth
   • his word was gospel
5. the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Christ's life and teachings