What absolutely appalls me is the general moral relativism of the Pro-Eric people, who gather more and more followers every week. What we're up against is a fictional villain. This kind, though it borrows some traits to a human being, is a creation of the author (whom we cannot identify for sure at the moment, since other threads carry the rumor that Shadowgod and CJames are one and only person) The fictional villain, as opposed as to your ordinary RL juvenile delinquent, cannot be redeemed or changed in any manner. Go back to the story, Steve, and gather evidence that prove your point. You'll find none. Blackmail, lies, illegal videos, murder attempts, assault on a police officer... Yes, this is all written in the book. The author controlling the fictional villain's genes may decide (and decided in this particular case) once and for all that he is evil. I do hope Eric gets caught, and that he didn't roast in the fire, but you'll never know with this author(s).
More with Shadowgod on this one. Of course there could be more earthly possessions going up in flames, but from the description of the church's altar, I had imagined Thaddeus indulging into vanity with this place, and being genuinely distressed by seeing his work burn. The barf adds to the distress, doesn't it?
With the ending of this chapter, one almost feels sorry for Thaddeus, a philanderer, a hatred preacher, an embezzler, a hacker, a conspirator... At least, he doesn't end up with frozen assets.