Many Religio Romana practitioners may aspire to adopt ancient Roman the values and virtues of the mos maiorum - although adaptations to theses values may occur to make allowances for changed social realties.
Note that while ethical behaviour as an expression of pietas or philosophical beliefs is strongly encouraged it is not necessarily required in order to obtain the favour of the Gods, thus a preoccupation with sin, as understood in the Abrahamic religions, does not factor.
Roman Virtues
Regarding both men and women ancient Roman values and virtues include:
- pietas (in the sense of an unswerving sense of duty, devotion and loyalty to one's family, friends, country and gods),
- gravitas (taking one’s responsibilities seriously and earnestly),
- diligence, energy and industriousness,
- steadfastness and patience,
- dignity, austerity and elegance in manner and dress,
- restraint and self-discipline (emotional control),
- syncretism, open-mindedness and tolerance.
Philosophy
The philosophical perspective of Religio Romana practitioners varies, though an interest in philosophical schools of thought common during the Greco-Roman period is not uncommon. Stoicism, Epicureanism and Neoplatonism were the most popular philosophical schools during the Roman era.
Related Pages
External Links
- Philosophybasics.com
- Roman Virtues
- Mos Maiorum
- J Shelton, As the Romans Did (2nd ed), New York, 1998