Rachel says "for our first few weeks in Kilanga, attendance in church had been marked by almost total absence"" (Kingsolver 45). This quote exemplifies how the people of Kilanga did not accept the religion that Nathan has brought to their home to teach. Even after many weeks, Nathan still tries to get people to convert to Christianity in order to save more "souls " than were lost that day when he was absent at war for the Bataan Death March. Nathan has been so captivated with religion that he has no time for his family. In book three titled "The Judges " Orleanna and Ruth May have become very sick with malaria. Instead of Nathan being a responsible father and caring for his sick family, he is off reciting verses of the Bible in the woods. When speaking about the sickness, Adah says, "The Reverend seemed unconcerned about this. He forged ahead with his mission work, leaving his three older girls in charge of hearth and home for days on end when he sallied out. " (Kingsolver 217). This quote proves the incompetence of Nathan Price and how he longed saving himself rather than caring about the health and well being of his family. The demise of Nathan occurs because he is no longer able to balance this conflict between religion and his family.
The effects upon Nathan include him being filled with rage and an abusive father altogether. When Leah refuses to listen to one of fathers direct orders, Nathan erupts with rage and runs after her, belt in hand ready to beat his own child. Rachel tells the story like this."Father went crazy.he lit out after her with his wide leather belt. instead of coming back, he acted like he'd just decided to stroll out there for the sake of thrashing the trees with his belt. we heard him for about an hour"" (Kingsolver 340). These short quotes exemplify how Nathans anger had made him a completely different person because not only do the people of Africa not listen to him, but his own family has started to disobey his orders.
