How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"The Japanese imagine a beautiful, exalted man—and this they call God. They call by the name of God something which has the same kind of existence as man." (7.243)
In many ways, the Japanese take Christianity too literally. All they know is that foreign priests showed up one day, telling them that an amazing man will come rescue them and bring them all to paradise. They aren't thinking about Christianity in an intellectual or theological manner—they just want some relief.
Quote #8
He would stare at this scenery of Japan, drinking in every detail as though later he were to describe it all in detail to someone back at home in his own country. (9.11)
After everything is said and done, Rodrigues becomes a Japanese citizen. That's a weird turn of events, huh? While the former priest is surely bummed out about this, he doesn't seem all that upset—in fact, he shows a striking interest in Japanese society. Maybe he likes this place better than he wants to admit.
Quote #9
It was not against the Lord of Chikugo and the Japanese that he had fought. Gradually he had come to realize that it was against his own faith that he had fought. (10.36)
Throughout his journey, Rodrigues blamed Japan for the doubts that were growing within him. That's a swing and miss, buddy. The truth is that Rodrigues had doubts even before setting foot in Japan—all he needed was a little push for his faith to crumble. Does that seem like quality construction to you?