The nature of Piety

[Sauroctonos]

What is the single, universal characteristic (if there exists such a single characteristic) which defines whether or not something (such as an act, a judgement, appearance, etc) is Pious in nature?

[jordanisonfire]

Is this assuming that a religion is correct, or is this just a debate for religious people?

[Lykaios]

Aeneas = definition of piety.

Good ol' Romans.

/willcomebackwithmoreinterestingstufftosay

[Clarissa]

Aeneas = definition of piety.

Good ol' Romans.

/willcomebackwithmoreinterestingstufftosay

I thought that was pietas? Is that the same thing?

If it is, the definition of piety according to the Romans is respect towards the gods and the family (and something else I've forgotten).

/endrepeatingexactlywhatLilysaidinslightlydifferentwords.

[Lykaios]

Piety comes from the Latin Pietas, so yeah, they basically mean the same thing.

It's a virtue of religious/spiritual devotion, also includes humility.

[AgniR]

Anything that comes straight from heart and there isn't any ulterior motive other than what the action symbolizes. But then I am not clear in what context the question has been asked? And this has been the first time I have heard piety.