How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The universe contracted; at its exact geometric center floated that sandy tidbit of dark bread and pale cheese. A demon commanded the muscles of his left leg to move his left foot half a yard forward. (1.28)
Our first example of religion comes in the form of Brother Francis, and he demonstrates how the novel won't make this theme easy on us. On the one hand, Francis's beliefs have made him a wonderfully honest, innocent guy. On the other hand, the whole idea of a demon seizing control of Francis for a snack is meant to show religion's more ridiculous side.
Quote #2
The Memorabilia was there, and it was given to them by duty to preserve, and preserve it they would if the darkness in the world lasted ten more centuries, or even ten thousand years, for they, though born in that darkest of ages, were still the very bookleggers and memorizers of the Beatus Leibowitz. (6.21)
The church protects the knowledge of the Memorabilia even though it doesn't know what to do with it or what it does. In a way, the church has faith in the Memorabilia, even though its origins are earthly, not heavenly.
Quote #3
Even the idiot which seems less gifted than a dog, or a pig, or a goat, shall, if born of woman, be called an immortal soul, thundered the magisterium, and thundered it again and again. After several such pronouncements, aimed at curbing infanticide, had issued from New Rome, the luckless misborn had come to be called the "Pope's nephews," or the "Pope's children," by some. (10.3)
Here we see the first major instance in the book of the Church not changing its beliefs to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. In this case, things don't end very well for Francis. As the novel continues, these instances extend beyond lone street travelers to affect the whole world.