How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Through gritted teeth he growled, "I know what you're thinking, Will Henry, but even the tenets of the victims' faith hold a mistake to be no sin. A miscalculation is not negligence, nor prudence a crime. I am a scientist. I base my action or inaction upon probability and evidence. There is a reason we call science a discipline! Inferior minds bolt or build pyres to roast the witches in their midst! It is a false argument to assert that simply because we do not see fairies dancing upon the lawn proves naught as to their existence. Evidence begets theory, and theory evolves as new evidence emerges. Three thousand years of research, direct eyewitness accounts, serious scientific inquiry—was I to abandon all of it upon the doorstep of speculation and doubt? In all crises are we to demand reason's abdication or, worse, champion the coup of our baser instincts? Are we men, or anxious gazelles? An impartial examination of the facts would lead any reasonable man to conclude that I am blameless, that I reacted with prudence and forbearance in the case, and indeed a lesser man might have squandered his energies pursuing those fairies on the lawn, which no one can see!" (8.224)
Dr. Warthrop worships upon the altar of science. He believes in no higher calling, and that strict adherence to scientific tenets is all that he needs to live a righteous life. In this way, he is trying to justify the guilt that he's feeling over the deaths of the Stinnets. He merely followed scientific precedent; it can't be his fault that he didn't alert anyone else to the Anthropophagi's presence.
Quote #8
"It was Elizabeth," he said. "My dream. We were in this dark place, and I was searching for her. She called my name, again and again, but I could not find her. I searched, but I could not find her."
"She is in a better place now, Malachi," I offered.
"I want to believe that, Will."
"My parents are there too. And one day I'll see them again."
"But why do you believe that? Why do we believe such things? Because we want to?"
"I don't know," I answered honestly. "I believe because I must." (10.205-210)
Malachi is going through some pretty normal grieving processes. He is questioning his faith after a terrible ordeal and wants Will Henry to reassure him. Will Henry, doing his best, admits that he has to believe in such things because otherwise the pain of losing his loved ones would be too much to bear. That's a good enough reason for anyone.
Quote #9
"I don't know what you mean."
"Oh, you must. That euphoric moment when you hold their life here." He held up his hand, palm facing us. "And now you are the captain of their destiny, not some ineffable, invisible fairy-tale being. No? Well, I suppose intent has everything to do with it. The will must be there. You didn't really intend to blow his brains out." (11.60-61)
It's not that surprising to see that this is what Dr. Kearns thinks about religion. Religion wouldn't serve the same purpose for someone like him—he needs to be his own moral authority in order to justify many of his sketchier actions.