What Is Simony?
Simony is the buying or selling of spiritual things like church offices, sacraments, or sacred roles for money or personal gain. The term comes from Simon Magus, a sorcerer in the Bible who tried to pay the apostles for the power to give the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-20). Peter rebuked him harshly, saying, “May your money perish with you because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!”
At its core, simony treats God’s grace like a commodity something to be traded rather than freely given. It corrupts the church by putting a price tag on what should be sacred.
Examples of Simony (Then and Now)
Simony isn’t just an ancient sin, it shows up in sneaky ways today. Here’s how it has looked historically and how it might appear now:
- Buying Church Positions
- Past: In the Middle Ages, wealthy families paid for their sons to become bishops or priests, not because they were called, but for power and income.
- Today: A pastor demands a “donation” before ordaining someone, or a church sells leadership roles to the highest bidder or wealthy members.
- Selling Spiritual Gifts
- Past: Medieval priests charged fees for baptisms, confessions, or last rites.
- Today: A preacher says, “God will bless you if you sow a $1,000 seed or ‘bring your Isaac’ into my ministry” implying God’s favor is for sale.
- Commercializing Ministry
- Past: Indulgences (paying for forgiveness) were a major scandal before the Reformation.
- Today: Churches or preachers sell access to teachings, conferences, or “exclusive” spiritual insights at inflated prices, turning the Gospel into a paywall.
How to Spot Simony in the Church
Simony isn’t always obvious. Here are red flags:
- Money is a condition for ministry (e.g., “You can’t serve unless you tithe to this church”).
- Spiritual promises tied to donations (e.g., “God will heal you if you give $500 or x amount of money”).
- Church offices go to the highest giver or wealthiest members, not the most spiritually qualified.
- Sacraments (like communion or baptism) come with a fee.
Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). If money becomes the gatekeeper to God’s grace, that’s simony.
Why Simony Is So Dangerous
- It Distorts the Gospel – Turns faith into a transaction instead of a relationship with God.
- It Corrupts Leaders – When ministry becomes about profit, greed replaces calling.
- It Hurts the Poor – If God’s gifts are sold, only the rich can “afford” salvation.
- It Invites God’s Judgment – Peter’s rebuke to Simon Magus shows how seriously God takes this sin.
How to Avoid This Trap
- Check Your Motives – Are you serving for God’s glory or financial gain?
- Reject “Pay-to-Pray” Schemes – Salvation and spiritual gifts are free.
- Hold Leaders Accountable – If a church profits off sacraments or positions, speak up.
- Give Generously-But Never as a Bargain – Offerings should come from love, not manipulation.
Simony isn’t just a historical problem it’s a present temptation. The church must guard against turning grace into a business. Let’s keep ministry pure, remembering that what God gives freely, we must never sell.
“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” (1 Corinthians 7:23).
