How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
But for all that her father sang beautifully, heartbreakingly, of God, she sensed he did not believe in Him in quite the same way her mother did. (1.1.122)
Meridian's mother has a straight-forward relationship with religion—she whole-heartedly believes in everything without giving it much thought. Meridian's father, on the other hand, has a spiritual relationship with the world that doesn't rely much on dogma. Can you guess who Meridian relates with more?
Quote #2
They made her ashamed of that past, and yet all of them had shared it. The church, the music, the tolerance shown to different beliefs outside the community, the tolerance shown to strangers. (1.1.134)
It's interesting that Meridian's fellow political activists all come from traditional religious backgrounds, but have rejected that upbringing in no uncertain terms. Despite this, it seems like their background influences them more than they realize—after all, there's nothing more Christ-like than helping the poor, right? Aside from, you know, the whole being born to a virgin thing.
Quote #3
In this, she and Meridian were exactly alike, except if some pathetic, distracted old marcher wished to bend Meridian’s ear about his or her Jesus, Meridian would stand patiently and listen (1.3.4)
Although she doesn't believe in Christianity anymore, Meridian doesn't hate religion like Anne-Marion does. On one hand, it's in Meridian's nature to be understanding of traditional values, even if she doesn't embrace them as her own. But her early spiritual experiences are worth mentioning too, as they likely softened her stance on religion.