When United Airlines Flight 232 crashed in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1989, 112 people died, and 184 people survived. In this book Gregory S. Clapper, both a college professor and a chaplain in the National Guard, reflects on his ministry in the aftermath of this tragic event. Processing his chaplain experiences through the lens of his theological training, he reflects on six different resources from the Christian tradition that he saw transform people's lives during and after this tragedy. ""This is a book that is transparent, in the best sense of the word. Pastorally oriented, it genuinely helps the Christian reader confront, think about, and deal with tragedy. It offers no easy explanations; rather, it is utterly straightforward, without pretension."" --Roberta Bondi, Emory University ""Throughout this book, [Clapper] delves into the mystery of suffering and how it has the potential to bring hope and healing, how our lack of control brings a sense of healthy humility and the amazing impact a gentle spirit has on those who require a tender touch."" -- Publishers Weekly "" When the World Breaks Your Heart is worth more than a shelf-full of tomes on the preaching of funeral sermons, and more than a case of Advil for neck muscles that cramp as one pulls into hospital parking lots."" -- Anglican Theological Review ""When the world breaks your heart--and who is able to avoid such pain--you will be encouraged by the strong word of confident faith in this book."" --William H. Willimon, Duke University Gregory S. Clapper is Professor of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Indianapolis and is Affiliate Professor of United Methodist Studies at Christian Theological Seminary. He has authored many articles and four books, including As If the Heart Mattered: A Wesleyan Spirituality (1997).