The Christmas affair however really reflects the nub of the issue. (faith.org.uk)
Instead, I am going to talk about «ritualized outward observance», since that seems to be the nub of the issue. (rachelheldevans.com)
The nub of this issue is whether divine acceptance must be mediated verbally or whether it can be adequately mediated nonverbally through an interpersonal relationship. (religion-online.org)