I have been intrigued recently with the difference between piety and morality. While these two terms are not antonyms, they differ in significant ways. Morality tends to concern itself with proper behavior, often dictated by social or religious mores. It tends to be a communal affair. Piety is the set of the soul toward God that should result in good behavior. Morality often descends to legalism and finger-pointing. Piety emphasizes proper behavior that flows from that set of the soul. It teaches more by example than by preachments. Morality builds a house without a proper foundation.
Too often, periods of great spiritual revival end up in a hollow morality. When the fire of piety cools, morality moves in.
