simoniacal
Definition
Adjective: Relating to or involving simony, which is the sin of buying or selling spiritual things, such as church offices, sacraments, or benefices. A "simoniacal" act or person is one that engages in or is tainted by this practice.
Usage Examples
- (The bishop was involved in the corrupt sale of a church position.)
- (Her buying or selling of religious privileges was considered sinful.)
- (The church authorities forbade the exchange of money for spiritual favors.)
Advanced Usage
- "Simoniacal heresy": A specific theological term referring to the belief that spiritual goods can be legitimately bought or sold.
- The medieval church fought against simoniacal heresy for centuries. (The church opposed the idea that holy offices could be purchased.)
Variants and Related Words
Simony (noun): The act or practice of buying or selling ecclesiastical offices, pardons, or other spiritual things.
- Simony was a major corruption issue in the early medieval church. (The practice of selling church positions was widespread.)
Simoniac (noun): A person who commits simony.
- The simoniac was excommunicated for his corrupt practices. (The person who bought or sold church offices was expelled.)
Synonyms
- Corrupt: morally depraved or dishonest, especially in a religious context.
- Sacrilegious: involving violation or misuse of sacred things.
- Unholy: not sacred; sinful or wicked.
Related Idioms
To sell one's soul: to sacrifice moral integrity for material gain, similar to simoniacal behavior.
- He sold his soul for a position in the church. (He committed simony for personal advancement.)
To traffic in holy things: to trade or deal in sacred matters for profit.
- The priest was guilty of trafficking in holy things. (He engaged in simoniacal transactions.)