The Sin of Simony

by cameo-d 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  cameo-d

  It is a common practice in most churches that you do pay the preacher (directly) for officiating at a marriage ceremony.

  Many also pay the preacher for funeral services as well as making a donation to the church for use of the facilities.

  According to this following definition, it seems that this this might fall under simony. What do you think?

  Canon Law also outlawed as simony some acts that did not involve the sale of offices, but the sale of spiritual authority: the sale of tithes, the taking of a fee for confession, absolution, marriage or burial, and the concealment of one in mortal sin or the reconcilement of an impenitent for the sake of gain.

  Did you know anyone in your congregation who "moved up" in status because of monetary contributions?

  Anyone reinstated after giving a hefty contribution? Would this not also be simony?

  Do you think, in any way, that there is the sin of simony in the WBTS or in local JW congregations?
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  White Dove

  I've heard of greasing a hand.
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  cameo-d

  I've heard of greasing a hand.

  But was it just a gift? Or was there motive or obligation? I think that is what makes the difference.
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  cameo-d

  Unethical Conversion Bill presented to parliament by the JHU

  Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religion Bill

  ....seeks to provide measures to prevent conversion of persons belonging to one religion to another by the use of force, allurement or fraudulent means.

  (If you cannot PROVE resurrection or the reality of Living Forever on Paradise Earth...could that be considered allurement or fraud?)

  Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera asked for two debates on it because it is an issue affecting various religious organizations.

  According to the Bill, allurement or offer of any temptation for the purpose of converting a person professing one religion to another religion in the form of any gift or gratification whether in cash or kind will be a punishable act.

  (gift? gratification...in kind? Would salvation or life everlasting fit either definition? )

  The offer can be a grant of any material benefit, whether monetary or otherwise.

  Update: Feb. 7, 2009

  The Sri Lankan ambassador to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya, received a letter recently, signed by 15 US Congressmen, requesting that Sri Lanka shelve the proposed legislation outlawing religious conversion.
  
  The Bill was approved in January, and a final vote in Sri Lanka's parliament is expected this month.

  The Sri Lankan ambassador received an almost identical letter, signed by 20 human rights activists representing Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Baha'i, and interfaith organizations, last week. Angela Wu, representing the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, signed that letter. Four members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also signed the letter.
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  WTWizard

  Regardless of what it is called, it is not possible to buy the truth. It is not possible to buy one's way into fulfillment or salvation. And, anyone that tries to sell such favors is guilty of a scam--plus it is bribery. Either way, it is counterproductive and results in those without the money feeling left out.