Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Simony Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⛪
Add to dictionary

simony

[ˈsɪməni ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

religious context

Simony is the act of selling or buying ecclesiastical privileges, offices, or sacraments. This practice is considered a grave sin in many religious traditions, particularly in Christianity. The term originates from the biblical figure Simon Magus, who attempted to purchase spiritual powers from the apostles. Simony is often associated with corruption within the church and has been condemned by various religious authorities throughout history. The prohibition against simony is rooted in the belief that spiritual gifts cannot be bought or sold.

Synonyms

church corruption, ecclesiastical commerce, spiritual profiteering.

Examples of usage

  • His attempt at simony was met with strong opposition from the church.
  • The medieval period saw rampant simony among clergy members.
  • The scandal erupted after allegations of simony surfaced among high-ranking officials.
  • She denounced simony in her sermon, emphasizing the sanctity of spiritual gifts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During the Medieval period, simony was rampant, leading to reforms in the Church to uphold moral integrity.
  • The Council of Trent in the 16th century explicitly condemned simony, aiming to restore faith in the Church.

Cultural Impact

  • Simony is often referenced in literature as a symbol of moral decay, exemplified in works like Dante's 'Inferno'.
  • In modern usage, the term can also refer to corrupt practices in various sectors beyond religion, indicating the selling of influence.

Legal Implications

  • In some countries, simony has led to the establishment of laws against the commercial sale of spiritual positions.
  • Certain religious organizations impose severe penalties for simony, including excommunication.

Modern Analogies

  • Today, simony can be compared to unethical practices in businesses where trust is violated for profit.
  • The concept is often explored in discussions about ethical leadership and accountability in religious and secular organizations.

Origin of 'simony'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the name Simon Magus, a figure in the Bible who tried to buy spiritual power.
  • The word was first used in the 12th century to describe the corrupt selling of church offices.

The term 'simony' is derived from the name of Simon Magus, a figure from the New Testament who attempted to purchase the ability to confer the Holy Spirit from the apostles Peter and John. This act, described in the Book of Acts, was condemned by Peter, who rebuked Simon for his greed. The word 'simony' itself first appeared in the writings of church fathers in the 4th century, as they sought to address and legislate against this form of corruption. Over the centuries, it has become a key concept in discussions of church ethics and the relationship between money and religious authority. The impact of simony has influenced church reform movements, particularly during the medieval period when the selling of church offices became rampant, leading to widespread theological debates and calls for reform. The practice highlighted the tension between spiritual and temporal powers, a theme that remains relevant in contemporary discussions about the integrity of religious institutions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,662 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.