Jim David Adkisson recently walked into a Knoxville, Tennessee Unitarian Universalist (hereinafter UU) congregation during a children’s rendition of the play “Annie,” opened fire with a shotgun, murdered two people and wounded several others.
I intend of posting two statements: I wish to move from empathizing with the tragic events and move to a critique of UU. These a very difficult essays to write since it is being written in the midst of a, rightly so, very emotionally charged atmosphere. And yet, I consider it appropriate since if the UU, or anyone for that matter, is to be disagreed with it is to be done in terms of a discussion of issues. As Rev. William G. Sinkford, the denomination’s president, said,
“_there’s a vast difference between having a philosophical disagreement with someone and entering a sanctuary with a sawed-off shotgun and beginning to shoot, and my judgment is he lost the battle with his demons.”
It is on the basis of a philosophical disagreement that I present this essay. Some weeks ago I found myself at an endodontist’s office waiting to have an infection inside of my skull treated which ended with my having stitches on my gums just above my front teeth (sorry for providing too much information). As I waited, I picked up a magazine and found an ad from the UU, which I will discuss in part 6. It was a few weeks later that the shootings occurred.
Let us offer condolences to the families of the deceased and pray then as well as the injured and their families.
Adkisson is quite obviously a very troubled person. His actions appear to be based on multiple fallacious premised. Found was a four page letter that he wrote the content of which are but meagerly elucidated by the media (the authorities may be withholding the full contents). Some reports state that he was provoked by the UU’s liberalism and acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle. Yet, this was not a religiously motivated attack but a political/sociological one. He viewed liberalism as infecting the entire country and apparently viewed the UU as symbolic and or supportive of it. Read enough reports and you will also find that he is unemployed, was bitter he could not get work and may have been upset and having his food stamps reduced or cancelled.
Adkisson is reported to have a history of alcoholism as well as five ex-wives (the most recent had attended the UU which he attacked). An alcoholic five time divorcee does not seem to be someone who is living out conservative ideals. Then again, what sort of logic is to be expected of someone who premeditative carries out such a gruesome act? Rev. Kristen Harper, minister of the Unitarian Church of Barnstable on Cape Cod, stated,
“Even though he’s crazy, you still wonder, why a liberal church, and how does shooting up liberals make sense?”
Exactly, it does not make sense outside of the mind of a crazy person.
Will Graham: I thought you might enjoy the challenge. Find out if you’re smarter than the person I’m looking for.
Hannibal Lecter: Then, by implication, you think you’re smarter than I am, since it was you who caught me.
Will Graham: No, I know I’m not smarter than you.
Hannibal Lecter: Then how did you catch me?
Will Graham: You had – disadvantages.
Hannibal Lecter: What disadvantages?
Will Graham: You’re insane.