Quote by Martin Luther King Jr.

Ambition begat simony; simony begat the pope and his brethren, about the time of the Babylonish captivity

Ambition begat simony; simony begat the pope and his brethre

Summary

This quote suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between ambition, simony (selling or buying of religious privileges or offices), and the rise of the Pope and his associates. It implies that the desire for power and personal gain gave way to corruption within the Church during a period known as the Babylonish captivity, where the papacy was relocated to Avignon, France. The quote may be pointing out how ambition and indulgence propelled a cycle of misconduct and hierarchy within the religious institution.

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By Martin Luther King Jr.

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