Simony (noun)

The act of buying or selling ecclesiastical offices or spiritual favors, considered a grave sin in many religions.

Origin:

The word simony originated in the late 12th century, from the latin word "simonia", which is derived from simon magus, a biblical figure who offered money to the apostles peter and john for the power to give people the holy spirit. it refers to the act of buying or selling ecclesiastical offices or spiritual favors, which is considered a grave sin in many religions.

Examples:

1. The sale of church offices was considered simony in the Middle Ages.
2. He was accused of simony for accepting money in exchange for granting church offices.
3. The practice of simony was considered a grave sin in the Catholic Church.
4. It was said that he engaged in simony to gain power and influence in the church.
5. The act of simony was punished by excommunication in the Catholic Church.