Read the rest of it ..the author clearly states the significance of these abominable words.
The only problem is that you CANNOT understand these words without taking into account the " Then, "
For example -
Then, as the clock struck midnight, he threw the switch and electricity coursed through her body.
What does this mean ?
It is some diabolical killer ?
... a legal execution of a diabolical killer ?
.... or perhaps some strange way of describing a late-night emergency room defibrillation procedure ?
Back to the topic at hand -
How can he possibly deem others interpretation of the verse as not being extreme WITHOUT himself having a full understanding of what it says ?