And he’s doing a tremendous damage and disservice to all who believe him. Not to mention the consequences, when these people then go out into the world and act in line with that belief. I know, those people hope in such a scenario in the first place, but when people like Hagee reinforce it, instead of telling the truth, we know how it ends; we all know the “holier than thou” tribes (in this case it’s the same as catholic indulgences). Basically all religious organizations get money in this way. Some directly (every single spiritual retreat, course, workshop, etc. falls into this category), and some indirectly, playing at the conscience, gratitude, sometimes fear. And because illusion sells better, good luck in competing with them (and there is absolutely nothing noble about begging — been there done that, it’s really good to curb the ego, but otherwise — meh). Honestly, I’m really at loss. On one hand I don’t see a single reason why priests or teachers should live in poverty just by design (to prove that they are genuine? sure, poverty does not matter, but I guess, “moral victories” were never my thing — I’d rather go with fairness), on the other hand it’s clearly an uphill battle, and I don’t wonder that many are tempted to “cut corners” (though most of those corner-cutters are outright frauds, indeed). Ah sorry, I’m already ranting again. Sigh. Anyway, thanks for stopping by ;)