Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
DEUS EX MACHINA
Literally "a god from the machine," referring to the mechanism in ancient drama whereby a god was brought on the stage to provide a miraculous solution to a dramatic difficulty. It has come to mean any idea, fact, or person artificially introduced to solve an otherwise impossible situation.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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