Not a hoax. But, the pastor who died did not die for his foolishness. Maybe you think Jesus was a fool. Jesus knew there were many supposed messiahs before him, all walked into Jerusalem to be crucified, and the Romans obliged them. Nevertheless, Jesus walked to his death willingly. This is the highest mark of a Christian. Peter, Paul, and maybe all the disciples knew that preaching about Jesus was dumb (by this world's standards); they were courting death, and they got it. Their reward is great in heaven. This life is a sliver of time, eternity is worth the risk.