John Hagee: 'America has rewarded laziness and we've called it welfare'

Pastor John Hagee told his congregation at Cornerstone Church Sunday that "America has rewarded laziness and we've called it welfare," according to a video provided by the left-leaning Right Wing Watch. (AP Photo /J. Michael Short, File) less Pastor John Hagee told his congregation at Cornerstone Church Sunday that "America has rewarded laziness and we've called it welfare," according to a video provided by the left-leaning Right Wing Watch. (AP ... more Photo: AP Photo: AP Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close John Hagee: 'America has rewarded laziness and we've called it welfare' 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio pastor thinks U.S. citizens on welfare who are able to work should get their "nasty self off the couch and go get a job."

Pastor John Hagee told his congregation at Cornerstone Church on Sunday that "America has rewarded laziness and we've called it welfare," according to a video provided by the left-leaning Right Wing Watch.

The controversial pastor said America has "a dependent state the size of Spain" living on welfare and cannot "long endure those who pay double through taxes and those who get a free ride."

"This is not justice, and this is not the American way and this is not how we became great," Hagee said. "We became great by every American getting off his duff, getting himself a job and making his life a thing of beauty based on his own efforts."

Hagee said he supports those who need welfare but lambasted those who don't but still use the program.

"To those of who are sick, to those of you who are elderly, to those of you who are disabled: we gladly support you," Hagee said. "To the healthy who can't work but won't work, get your nasty self off the couch and go get a job."

Hagee continued, "The Bible says the man that does not work should not eat. I know the liberals hate the verse but read it and weep: it's God's position."

In an emailed statement, a Hagee spokesman cited a Washington Post article published in September, which says 47 million Americans receive food stamps, as justification for the pastor's Spain comment. As of Jan. 1, 2014, Spain has more than 46.5 million citizens, according to a news release from Instituto Nacional de Estadistica, Spain's official agency to collect demographic data.

When asked whether Hagee felt his hardline tactics were the proper approach for handling the subject, the spokesman said, "Pastor Hagee is known and appreciated around the world for sharing the truth in a direct fashion."

Earlier this year, Hagee predicted a "world shaking event" would occur within the next year based on four blood moons that began appearing in April.

During his Christmas sermon, Hagee said atheists should leave the United States if they're uncomfortable with citizens celebrating Christmas.

Cornerstone, located in Stone Oak, claims more than 20,000 members, according to its website.

jfechter@express-news.net

Twitter: @JFreports