[neverending]

I think the criticism of Catholicism specifically and Christianity in general were very much intentional. Brazil is a heavily Catholic country and Marins had to deal with that daily. Some of the sins he commits are specifically aimed at the Catholic Church- like the eating of meat on Friday. The next thing he does is covet his neighbor's wife (well, they're not married- but engaged. The intent is clear). Next he gambles. He's boastful- the sin of pride. He attempts to commit adultry. He murders his wife... he breaks nearly every commandment. I think Marins was deliberately trying to offend the Catholic sensibilities of his community.