CBC’s Fifth Estate has covered religious stories before, this week they re-visit their expose on Benny Hinn.

I was nauseated.
The second time it came on I had to turn it off.
Hinn was raised in Canada, was in Toronto and Calgary for some shows (The Toronto Star used that term and I think it’s appropriate) last week.

While the CBC follows the money, the most powerful part of this documentary for me is a US Southern Baptist minister who did his Masters degree on Hinn. (.pdf)

Justin Peters is quiet, well versed in his subject, empathetic toward those who see Hinn’s crusades as hope; respectful of faith for he is a man of faith. He is respectful of Hinn followers needs for he too has needs. He has cerebral palsy and went into the arena with CBC employees to show how Hinn screeners do their job.

A former Hinn security guard doesn’t pull any punches, nor does the forensic accountant who looked through financial documents leaked to the program.
The very medium Hinn uses so effectively, effectively exposes him.

There was an odd moment for me when Bob McKeown stopped Hinn in the hotel (hidden camera).
The men around him looked like mafia.
Thugs.
I know hidden camera ambushes aren’t flattering, gazing past the two men talking and watching the men around them, you realize this man is a money machine, albeit an absolutely deluded one, and you find yourself wondering who these guys are.
Bodyguards, Canadian ministers, deal makers?
Once Hinn realizes he is on camera his brief reaction reminds me of Jim Bakker the day he was escorted out of court undergoing an anxiety attack. Smoother though, much slicker.
In typical CBC style, McEwen stays calm, gracious, which makes those lobby moments all the more damning.

One of the women interviewed has since died, individual stories are heartbreaking.

The Fifth Estate is very clear there is no way to verify their estimates of what Hinn rakes in - they use legitimate documents and his own words. The amount of money made is jaw dropping, all nickel and dimed and partnered from the sick, the needy and the greedy.

There have always been fake healers - it’s been quite awhile since I’ve watched Hinn, he is theologically so far off base books have been written.
His hissing and odd behavior on stage is increasing and it’s creepy.
I don’t find him charismatic, nor his techniques persuasive, his theology sound; what is discouraging is so many desperate people do.

The documentary runs 41 minutes and is available online - it’s not for the faint of heart.