Could this pastor just be in discord with the idea of predestination? If he does not hold to the doctrine of predestination, or at least not to the level of saying that God has ordained ALL things to happen, (I know some who hold to predestination as a thing only concerning salvation, not everyday activities, however, thats another topic)? I know many who are not reformed and their belief is that even though God knows something will happen, such as 9-11, He will not stop it from happening because it will ultimately point people to Him. The non-Christians at and around the towers on 9-11 would then be considered "casualties"? I agree that the idea is a little far-fetched that God is not in control, but we must remember that not all hold to the doctrines of reformed theology, and this pastor may not at all be talking "atheism".