How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I just don't want to pray."
"Figure you don't want to make your peace if you're not ready to die?"
I smiled. I had to smile. He was right and he knew it. "Something like that."
"I know how you feel," he said. "I'm not quite ready to die either." (17.65-68)
The priest who visits, Father Santora, is pretty sympathetic of the regular, non-priest soldiers. Instead of acting like he's holier than Perry, he relates to him by talking about his own fears and how he also doesn't want to die. Definitely more relatable than "pray or else."
Quote #8
"If I pray with you, will it keep me alive?" I asked.
"No."
"What will it do for me?"
"I don't know," he said. "I think it can be comforting at times." (17.74-77)
If Father Santora had started talking to Perry about his eternal soul or damnation, do you think that strategy would have been more or less effective than his simple, honest approach?
Quote #9
We told him some of the things that had happened to us. Then he prayed, asking God to take care of us and our loved ones, things like that. I really appreciated it. (17.82)
It's not the general praying that Perry appreciates: it's that Father Santora really listens, and reassures the guys about themselves and also about the people they care about. You could look at it as Perry coming around to religion, or as just the right mood boost at the right time. Like mac and cheese, but comfort prayer instead of comfort food.