A technique sometimes used by ancient Greek playwrights to resolve plots with no natural or easy solution was to drop in a "deus ex machina" (god from the machine). While usually an unconnected and sometimes even an illogical resolution, it was a practice meant to quickly bring order to chaos. More importantly, while bringing the story to a conclusion, it pardoned the actors and playwright from making the difficult decisions for resolving the plot.
I wonder if this kind of thinking is at the root of much contemporary eschatology. And, if so, does it sedate the enthusiasm of many Christians for moving the kingdom forward in the here and now?
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