Oidipous having relentlessly challenged Kreon’s decision to consult the Oracle, Kreon charges Oidipous with lack of faith (πίστιν). [Mpea] Ηis comment for the first time articulates directly, unambiguously, and without the mediation of double entendre the nature of Oidipous’s shortcoming. Kreon expresses surprise, moreover, that Oidipous’s discoveries have not taught him to trust in the god and the institution that mediates discourse with him. Indeed, “trust” or “confidence” (πίστις) is the inverse of skepticism, the philosophical stance that Oidipous, Iokaste, and Laios express through their actions and ratiocinations. [Dnt] Since Iokaste’s language was at times reminiscent of philosophical discourse current in Athens, Kreon’s criticism strikes the play’s audience directly. [Gt-a] Just as Apollo is not taken in by Oidipous’s protestations of piety or even his occasional willingness to consult the Oracle, Athens should anticipate the god’s ability to see through its own displays of piety: its lavish new temples and statuary, its festivals in honor of the gods, and its careful selection of matters to put to Delphi for decision. [P] [Mg] Just as Oidipous’s unswerving commitment to serve the god and justice in finding Laios’ killer subordinates both Apollo and justice to a project defined by Oidipous himself, Athens’ express commitment to justice can similarly be seen to subordinate justice and the god under whose aegis it is managed to a project that Athens defines for itself. [Mj] Genuine justice can be achieved only when the judge is disinterested. Where Athenian interests are at stake, this means placing faith in Delphi as an arbiter whose independence and fairness are assured by the god Apollo. This, and only this, would express genuine piety. [Mip] [Dnt]