In Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials," a significant quote states, "You are an enemy of the Church, Lee Scoresby. By their fruits shall ye know them." This line highlights the tension between the characters and the Church, suggesting that one's true nature and intentions can be revealed through their actions and consequences. It implies that the Church, as an institution, may not always embody goodness and that its representatives can be seen as adversaries to those who seek truth and authenticity.

The phrase "by their fruits shall ye know them" evokes the biblical idea that the outcomes of a person's actions are indicative of their moral character. Through this quote, Pullman critiques organized religion and emphasizes the importance of evaluating beliefs based on tangible results rather than mere dogma. This perspective encourages readers to reflect on the authenticity of authority figures and to consider the real-world impacts of their beliefs and actions.