When Seeing Is No Longer Believing

2. Gentle, kind, and not harmful in effect.
4. The slow, gradual wearing away or destruction of something, like confidence or a coastline.
6. A person or institution empowered to make a final judgment or settle a dispute.
7. The fundamental principles on which something is based; the solid rock underlying loose deposits.
8. The quality of being reasonable and acceptable according to laws, rules, or principles.
11. A questioning attitude or doubt towards something that is generally accepted as true.
13. Real and definite; able to be touched or perceived, as opposed to abstract.
15. Wicked, criminal, or villainous.
16. Describing a society where people of different races, religions, and political beliefs can live together peacefully.
17. In a way that is completely sealed off and airtight.
19. An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; a deep-seated distrust.

1. Great in importance, extent, or size; like a massive stone structure.
3. A concentrated, overwhelming, and continuous assault of something, like questions or artillery fire.
5. Impossible to undo or change back to a previous state.
9. Relating to human existence and experience, often concerning very serious questions about life and survival.
10. To unravel or become worn at the edge; used to describe nerves or relationships weakening under stress.
12. The division of a group or society into two sharply contrasting, opposing factions.
14. A short, thick stick used as a weapon; used metaphorically for a blunt tool of attack.
18. Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with very harmful or treacherous effects.
19. A general agreement reached by a group, especially among experts.