When a new sinner comes, he takes the previous sinner's place, and the previous sinner is shoved down into the rock for eternity, much like the succession of Simonists in office.
These sinners are punished in a manner that is a curious reversal of baptismal practices of the time: Even the burning feet are from the oil
> is shoved down into the rock for eternity, much like the succession of Simonists in office.
>
>These sinners are punished in a manner that is a curious reversal of baptismal practices of the time: Even the burning feet are from the oil
> a curious reversal of baptismal practices of the time: Even the burning feet are from the oil
>burning feet are from the oil
>into the rock for eternity, much like the succession of Simonists in office.
erhmahgurd erluminerhi
Dante clearly finds these sinners despicable enough to pause in the narrative for a moment and rebuke them harshly. This act does not happen often in Inferno, and it is significant because it illustrates Dante's abhorrence of the corruption of the church that he held so dear. Dante also takes a moment out of the narrative to answer the charge of sacrilege from a number of years earlier when he saved a boy from drowning in a baptismal font by smashing it.
Glossary
Simonists persons involved in the buying or selling of sacred or spiritual things, as sacraments or benefices.
Simon Magus a magician from whom the word "simony" is derived; tried to buy the rights and power to administer the Holy Ghost.
San Giovianni church that Dante attended.
Jason of the Maccabees bought an office as High Priest of the Jews.
Charles of Anjou seventh son of Louis VIII of France.
Constantine Constantine I (Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus) c. 280-337 a.d.; emperor of Rome (306-337); converted to Christianity; called the Great.