[sahy-muh-nee, sim-uh-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation | 1. | the making of profit out of sacred things. |
| 2. | the sin of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferments, benefices, etc. |
| Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006. |
Simon Magus who tried to purchase apostolic powers was the example which originally defined Simony. Simon was converted by Saint Peter according to the Gospel however was so impressed with the apostolic powers of St. Peter that he tried to offer money in exchange for the power. Saint Peter of course denied Simon Magus the power and exhorted him to repent.
In another example, the apostles noticed a man who was trying to expel demons in the name of Christ then asked Our Lord to stop him to which Jesus replied, "Let him go, for no one who speaks in my name can speak evil of me".
How is it that Simon Magus converted yet retained an evil intent? Also how is it that any who speak in the name of Christ cannot speak evil of Him? Does anyone care to venture an opinion?
My supposition is that no one may speak evil of Christ because Christ committed no evil. My supposition also is that it is possible[as Simon Magus did] to convert to Christianity for personal gain as did many of the heretics of early Christianity.
Anyone else wish to post a supposition?
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
