
You should know all about Religion and the bonus buildings available, which can let you choose a direction. There ARE large opportunities to use Piety to purchase Military units and thrive culturally. I would primarly adopt at least some of this to ensure the spread of my own Religion when going for a Cultural Victory, because shared Religion is so helpful in that, then move on to Aesthetics. Temples do not come until Philosophy, which is why I suggest waiting this out a bit. I suggest you take this after two or three points (at least) are invested in other Policies, so that you are generating Culture or getting bonuses to Military or Expansion. Religion is a race, after all, as not all Civs will get to found one. Adopting Piety will make Great Prophets appear faster due to a bonus to put up Shrines and Temples in half the time, which does help you form your Religion earlier, important in getting first picks on those beliefs. On high difficulties, you need the benefits of Liberty, Tradition, or Honor to really shine.


I would not open with this, despite it being available early in the game, unless you're playing a Civ that is particularly focused on Religion. Piety's focus is on Religion, and adopting it is situational. Civilization 5 Piety Social Policies Strategy Guide for Gods and Kings & Brave New World Civ 5 Social Policies Guide
