Opposition to or rejection of rituals, especially religious or ceremonial practices.
From anti- (against) + ritualism (from Latin ritualis, ceremonial, from ritus, rite or ceremony). Ritualism emerged as a movement in the 19th century, and antiritualism developed as a counter-movement among those who saw rituals as empty formality rather than meaningful spiritual practice.
The Protestant Reformation was partly antiritualistic—reformers believed medieval Catholic rituals had become disconnected from genuine faith, which is why Protestants simplified church services and rejected many ceremonial elements.
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