When Worlds Collide: Where Is God When Terror Strikes?

by R.C. Sproul

Where is God when worlds collide? Name any catastrophic event in the course of history, and it seems as if God has abandoned the human race. Where was He while the Israelites groaned in oppressive slavery for 400 years? Where was He during the Holocaust when millions of people died horrific deaths? Where was He on 9/11, when thousands lost their lives because of terrorists? It sometimes seems that God is silent, watching the horrors of life on earth without pity or concern. R. C. Sproul presents a challenging analysis that no Christian can afford to ignore. Only when we begin to understand the nature of God can we hope to trust in His sovereignty during times of terror or sorrow. Only when we trust in His sovereignty can we confidently say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust . . .”

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christian Living

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2002

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A basic account of the doctrine of providence from a Calvinistic view after the events of 9/11.

[Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compact book uses the tragic events of 9/11 as a launch-pad for a thoughtful, timely discourse on suffering and the sovereignty of God. Culturally-perceptive and unashamedly grounded in scripture, this book never tries to distance God from the calamities of life. Rather, through a concise, structured expression of Christianity's worldview, Sproul points towards God's ultimately perfect plan - the God who ordains both peace and calamity, and who mercifully offers us redemption through His son Jesus.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well grounded and relevant.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to RC's audio lectures from which this book is comprised and it was truly impactful!

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small book that Sproul wrote after September 11, 2001. But, it’s not so much about that specific event as it is really about God’s providence in light of difficult circumstances and evil events that take place in the world. The main passage he deals with is Romans 8, specifically Romans 8:28, and how nothing can happen without God knowing about it and God working through it. He shows how there are no ultimate tragedies for the believer. And, how on the other hand, there are also no ultimate blessings for the unbeliever. All things work for good ONLY for those who are in Christ Jesus.

[Kathy Penrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book on the clash of worldviews in our present day. It was written in response to 9/11 and is more about what is behind the attack from a biblical point of view than the actual event itself. A good analysis of our current culture and how we got here.

[Steven Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Already read about 30-40 pages, and its pretty good. It touches (from what I've seen) on the problem of evil, and religious pluralism.

[Victor Chininin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good and short book on the cause of terror as well as on religious pluralism in America in the 21st century. This is a good resource for us today.

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing book!