How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Life in this world is too painful for the Japanese peasants. Only by relying on 'the temple of Paradise" have they been able to go on living. (4.95)
This is why so many lower-class Japanese villagers are drawn to Christianity. Christianity offers them relief from this mortal coil: an opportunity to live a life of "paradise." Though this might be a slightly oversimplified version of Christianity, it provides immense relief to the villagers.
Quote #8
He was distanced by the tormenting pain of the rope [...] but what grieved him most was his inability to love these people as Christ had loved them. (8.20)
Often, emotional suffering is harder to bear than physical suffering. After all, Rodrigues doesn't renounce Christianity because he's tortured—he does it because others are tortured. Rodrigues knows that Jesus would have done anything to help those who suffer, and he feels ashamed to have hesitated this long.
Quote #9
And then it seemed to speak to him: "When you suffer, I suffer with you. To the end I am close to you." (8.38)
Even in his darkest moments, Rodrigues never fully loses his faith. The idea of suffering is one that's central to Christianity as a whole, which allows Rodrigues to make sense of his struggles without becoming bitter. The basic idea is that suffering is supposed to make you stronger and bring you closer to God.