How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"[The Berrys] live way on the other side of Smellings Creek. They come up to church sometimes." (1.32)
The Berrys can't just hop into their SUV or family van and drive on up from Smellings Creek. They kick it a bit more old school and probably either walk, or (if they're lucky) use a horse and wagon (like the Logans do). Why do you think the Berrys are willing to make this long and uncomfortable journey for church? What important functions does the church fulfill? What do you think the Berrys get out of attending?
Quote #2
The class buildings, with their backs practically against the forest wall, formed a semicircle facing a small one-room church at the opposite edge of the compound. It was to this church that many of the school's students and their parents belonged. (1.91)
The church is literally at the center of the Great Faith Elementary and Secondary School; all of the other buildings physically face it. The arrangement of the space suggests just how important church is to the community. And, don't forget that most of the school supplies and everything else is mostly paid for by church members.
Quote #3
At church the next morning, Mrs. Silas Lanier leaned across me and whispered to Big Ma, 'John Henry Berry died last night." When the announcement was made to the congregation, the deacon prayed for the soul of John Henry Berry and the recovery of his brother, Beacon, and his uncle, Mr. Samuel Berry. But after church, when some of the members stopped by the house to visit, angry hopeless words were spoken (2.51)
A jumping social joint might not be the first descriptor to pop into your head when you think of church. Here, though, we see that it stands at the heart of the social network in the black community, so lots of social activities take place there. It's a place where important news travels and where people can take comfort in each other.
Quote #4
In fact, she said, the county provided very little and much of the money which supported the black schools came from the black churches. (3.5)
Think about the different sources of support here. The county (which is controlled by the white men like Mr. Granger) doesn't exactly have the item "Educate African Americans" high up on its "To Do" list. The church, though, is very invested in its people. This is just one more example we see in the book of the church being foundational to the black community.
Quote #5
"They also said that slavery was good for us because it taught us to be good Christians—like the white people." She sighed deeply, her voice fading into a distant whisper. "But they didn't teach us Christianity to save our souls, but to teach us obedience. They were afraid of slave revolts and they wanted us to learn the Bible's teachings about slaves being loyal to their masters." (6.90)
There's always a downside to a good thing. Like this: religion can be used to teach mindless compliance and obedience. In some ways, Christianity helped to shore up the system of slavery.
Quote #6
"But my mama and daddy they loved each other and they loved us children, and that Christmas they fought them demons out of hell like avenging angels of the Lord." (7.52)
Taylor juxtaposes "demons" with "angels" here. What do you think is significant about this pairing? What does "avenging angels" allude to? Do you think this is an appropriate way to describe Mr. Morrison's parents fighting for their family? Why or why not?
Quote #7
As he reached the door, I cried after him, "Merry Christmas, Jeremy!' Jeremy looked back and smiled shyly. "Merry Christmas to y'all too." (7.92)
You've heard of the "Christmas spirit," right? (And no...we don't mean these Christmas spirits.) Well, after initially dissing Jeremy when he shows up bearing gifts, Cassie chills out a bit and wishes him a Merry Christmas. Check out the "Friendship" section to learn more about why a possible friendship with Jeremy is complicated.
Quote #8
"Good for you, Cassie," replied Lillian Jean enthusiastically. "God'll bless you for it."
"You think so?"
"Why, of course!' she exclaimed. "God wants all his children to do what's right." (8.10-12)
Sorry, Lillian Jean, but you're not God's mouthpiece. It's clear that her idea of what God wants is very different from what is likely taught in most churches. Here, "what's right" seems to mean whatever Lillian Jean happens to think is right at any given time (or what the corrupt Southern whites during this time thought was right).
Quote #9
"You know the Bible says you're s'pose to forgive these things […] But the way I see it, the Bible didn't mean for you to be no fool." (8.34, 38)
Papa is certainly no one's fool, and he's trying to get Cassie to understand A Major Point here. Jesus may have said to "turn the other cheek," but he didn't mean that you should let someone step all over you. There are times when you have to take a stand—and Papa's trying to teach Cassie when that is appropriate (and when it's not worth it, like in the situation with Lillian Jean).
Quote #10
"Lord Jesus! Lord Jesus!' cried Mrs. Avery, wrenching herself free from the men who held her and rushing toward her son. "Don't let 'em hurt my baby no more! Kill me, Lord, but not my child!" (11.75)
Even though T.J. has been, well, difficult (don't forget that he disobeys his parents by going to the Wallace store, cheats on tests, etc.), his mother is still willing to sacrifice herself for him. So, it's not surprising that she evokes Jesus. Here, she is ready to suffer for the sins that her son has committed.