externalism

[ ik-stur-nl-iz-uh m ]

/ ɪkˈstɜr nlˌɪz əm /

attention to externals, especially excessive attention to externals, as in religion.

Origin of externalism

First recorded in 1855–60; external + -ism

ex·ter·nal·ist, noun

They tore off the accumulated husks of externalism, but kept intact the real kernel of religion.

Evolution Of The Japanese, Social And Psychic |Sidney L. Gulick
A religion violently imposed from without as a state-religion naturally tends to hypocrisy and externalism.

The Expositor's Bible |F. W. Farrar
The externalism in which most of our lives are spent makes the effort to look within a painful contradiction of habit.

Expositor's Bible: The Song of Solomon |Walter Adeney
The fallacy of the Socialist program is not in its radicalism, but in its externalism.

The Profits of Religion, Fifth Edition |Upton Sinclair

It is curious how the superstition of externalism has affected many, even noble minds.

Wit and Humor of the Bible |Marion D. Shutter

externalism

/ (ɪkˈstɜːnəˌlɪzəm) /

exaggerated emphasis on outward form, esp in religious worship

a philosophical doctrine holding that only objects that can be perceived by the senses are real; phenomenalism

externalist, noun