As part of his investigation into the " apocalyptic genre " in modern america , paul boyer of the university of wisconsin asks why so many of his fellow americans are " susceptible " to televangelists and other " popularisers " .
Although his report was triggered by tales of televangelists running lucrative things such as recording studios and selling oil and gas under cover of the religious exemption , it highlights a serious regulatory failure at the heart of america 's charitable sector .