Simony facts for kids
Simony is when someone pays money to get a job or a special position in the Christian church. It is like buying or selling a spiritual role. This practice is against the rules of the church, called canon law. Simony became very common in the Catholic Church during the 800s and 900s.
What is Simony?
The word "simony" comes from a person named Simon Magus. His story is in the Bible, in the book of Acts of the Apostles, chapter 8, verses 18-24. Simon Magus saw the disciples of Jesus, Peter and John, giving people the power of the Holy Spirit. He offered them money so he could do the same thing.
Peter told Simon Magus that God's gift cannot be bought with money. This event gave the name to "simony." It means trying to buy or sell spiritual things or church positions.
Simony in the Catholic Church
During the Middle Ages, simony was a big problem in the Catholic Church. There were many arguments and accusations about it. One famous conflict was called the Investiture Controversy. This was a fight between kings and the Pope.
Rulers at the time wanted to use educated church leaders in their governments. They wanted to choose who became bishops or abbots. Sometimes, these rulers would demand money or favors for these church jobs. This made the church leaders very powerful in both religious and political matters.
Images for kids
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An abbot practicing simony in France, from the 12th century.
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Girolamo and Cardinal Marco Corner giving Marco, the abbot of Carrara, his church position. This painting is by Titian, around 1520.
See also
In Spanish: Simonía para niños
