How we cite our quotes: The main text of the story is cited (Chapter.Paragraph). The date headers are not counted as paragraphs. The verses in the chapters with a single passage from the narrator's religious texts are cited (Chapter.Verse.Line#). In chapters with multiple passages, the verses are cited (Chapter.Verse#.Line#). The four section pages with the years and passages are cited (Year.Verse).
Quote #1
Civilization is to groups what intelligence is to individuals. It is a means of combining the intelligence of many to achieve ongoing group adaptation.
Civilization, like intelligence, may serve well, serve adequately, or fail to serve its adaptive function. When civilization fails to serve, it must disintegrate unless it is acted upon by unifying internal or external forces. (2026.Verse)
This passage from Lauren's verses draws an analogy between civilization for groups and intelligence for individuals. Both are problem-solving or adaptation tools. For civilization, you can pretty much read the word community. Of course, this passage introduces the year 2026, which is when Robledo is on its last legs. That community doesn't do so well at achieving ongoing group adaptation.
Or—consider it from this angle—in Robledo, they didn't have all that much community to begin with. Sure, they had the shooting practices and the neighborhood watches, but they were still overwhelmed with working for paymasters, not having enough easy, affordable access to water, and so on.
Quote #2
We'll adapt. We'll have to. God is Change. (13.97)
These sentences spell out Lauren's basic belief that the community has to adapt when confronted by change. Robbers are breaking into Robledo and stealing stuff (including Cory's sewing machine), things are going down the drain, and people are trying to adapt to this new reality...but perhaps their history of denying change and denying truth is what prevents them from adapting successfully in time to keep Robledo alive.
Quote #3
So in a few days, the new term will start and Cory will do Dad's work—while I do her work. I'll handle the school with help from her and from Russel Dory [...]
Alex Montoya and Kayla Talcott will take over Dad's preaching and other church work. Neither is ordained, but both have substituted for Dad in the past. Both have authority in the community and the church. And, of course, both know their Bible.
This is how we will survive and hold together. It will work. I don't know how long it will last, but for now, it will work. (13.103-105)
See, the community is definitely trying to adapt in the face of all the problematic change, especially Reverend Olamina's disappearance. But Lauren certainly has the sense that these community adaptations might not be sufficient to sustain Robledo for a long period of time. When does it make sense to build one's local community to solve problems, and when does it make sense to simply desert one's local community and head out elsewhere for a new beginning? Ultimately, Lauren decides to leave once she's eighteen, but before that birthday, invaders destroy her town, forcing the choice to leave on her.