Five years on, one Sydney Anglican recalls how he stood just fifty metres from the terror which engulfed New York City.
Anthony Philips was on holidays in New York with his friend and fellow Christ Church, St Ives member, Mark MacLennan on the morning that changed the world.
"We were actually on our way to the Twin Towers. When we got off the subway at South Ferry [around 9am], we were nearly bowled over by a lady yelling "everyone get back on! There's a fire, there's a fire!'" Anthony recalls.
"We just thought it was some crazy New Yorker and took no notice. When we did emerge from the subway, there were hundreds of people standing around and looking up."
All Anthony and Mark could see was smoke which had completely obscured their vision of the towers.
"I asked this guy standing next to me what was going on. Without even looking at me he said, "Two planes have just hit the World Trade Centre'," Anthony says.
Anthony started charging up Broadway to get as close as he could to see what was happening.
"At one point I ducked under some police tape and got within about fifty metres of the South Tower. Everyone else was walking the opposite way," Anthony recalls.
"In hindsight, if we had seen the planes go into the building I think we would have done the same."
Anthony says there was a "chill' in the air as he stood amongst the crowd.
"I can remember seeing a few people jump which made me sick in the stomach. I heard a lady behind me in tears shout, "Oh my God, there's another one!'" Anthony says.
"Everyone around us looked up and saw the person jump. I still remember what colour clothes he was wearing. It was awful."
After another 20 minutes of watching events there was a tremendous roar.
"[It was] louder than anything I have ever experienced. I saw the South Tower begin to collapse and I was terrified," Anthony says.
Anthony turned and instinctively ran, but says he felt he was about to die.
"I didn't even think about Mark. My survival instincts had kicked in. I saw business men hit the deck with there briefcases over there heads," Anthony says.
"I could not believe that I was 22 years old and that this was the way I was going to go."
Five years on
Anthony says that despite the terror of that day, the experience has positively impacted his faith.
"As a Christian, I believe that God has a purpose for everyone in everything. I honestly believed that he planned for me to be in New York with Mark on that day," Anthony insists.
"Although what happened was a tragedy for so many families, God taught me the fragility of life and gave me a perspective that changed my understanding of living in this world."
Anthony says the experience has challenged him to consider the most important things in life.
"As a result I have been able to change aspects of my life that needed to change. I still have many struggles as a Christian, but I have had a remarkable experience and insight into God through the events of September 11 and the conversations and interactions as a result of that day."
The nature of man
Anthony says the events of September 11, 2001 remind him of Romans 6:23: "The wages of sin is death'.
"It is a tough lesson, but it is only by God's grace that we are allowed to live in this world," Anthony says.
"If I had been one of the people trapped inside the building, I would have no case against God for what happened to me."
Anthony says we should not blame God for events like the terrorist attacks five years ago.
"These are the sins of mankind. It is hard to deal with because our understanding of God is limited to what he chooses to reveal to us," Anthony says.
"At the end of the day, like I did at the time, I just have to trust that God is in control of all situations."
Examining the aftermath
CASE (Centre for Apologetic Scholarship and Education) Scholar, Justine Toh will speak at a seminar tonight that addresses the current films and documentaries on 9/11 and examine how religion and terrorism are being depicted on screen.
Ms Toh, who is looking at the Hollywood portrayal and memorials of 9/11 as part of a PhD in cultural studies has recently returned from a research trip to New York City.
"It was instructive being in New York city and seeing how it has changed. Everyday backpacks are subject to random searches. Many sites contain museums with artefacts from the events," Ms Toh says.
St Paul's Episcopalian Chapel in New York is one site that has been forever changed by the events from five years ago.
"The church became a respite centre for all the recovery workers who spent the eight months after the attacks going through debris and recovering human remains," Ms Toh says.
"The recovery workers slept in the pews in between shifts, but didn't take their tool belts or heavy shoes off. As they twisted and turned while they slept the pews have now absorbed the markings of the workers."
Ms Toh will look at the way Christian symbolism has been appropriated by Americans in remembering the events of 9/11.
She will challenge Christians to closely examine and look beyond the surface of some of these images.
All are welcome at New College at the University of New South Wales from 7pm to 9pm on Sept 11. Cost $10/$5 CASE Assocs. RSVP to case@newcollege.unsw.edu.au.
