Um... What?

My girlfriend sent me this story about a man offering loans in exchange for one's soul as collateral. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it... It's like the man is conning himself. Usually certain religious leaders and entrepreneurs make me wildly upset by ripping off people by taking advantage of their irrational beliefs (like those companies that allow you to insure your stuff for after the fall), but this man seems to be actively taking advantage of himself. I just don't get it...