A court ruling against a high school teacher who refused to stand for the national anthem exposes the emptiness of the phrase “because I have love.”
This essay dissects how faith and pacifism are used to justify convenient, intellectually hollow arguments.

2016-02-02

The scene shifts to Osaka.

A ruling was handed down in a lawsuit filed by a teacher at an Osaka prefectural high school who had refused to stand and sing the national anthem, “Kimigayo,” at a graduation ceremony.
The teacher sought the reversal of a pay-cut disciplinary action and two million yen in damages from the prefectural government.

The claim was dismissed.
In other words, he lost the case.

According to the article, the plaintiff stated that the primary reason for refusing to stand was his Christian faith.

However, he was not the only Christian among the prefectural high school teachers.
Does that mean he considers all other Christian teachers apostates.

He would probably answer in the AKB48 style.
“I will not fight other Christians, because I have love.”

Very nice indeed.

Then why not go further and say this.
“I will not fight Osaka Prefecture, which disciplined me, because I have love.”

“Love your enemies.”

This opportunistic Christian teacher also claimed that forcing students to stand leads back to prewar education that drove the nation into war.

A laughable piece of sophistry.

If he were to complain to me, I would answer as follows.

“I will not fight you.”
“Because I have love for you.”

Thus, the adult version of empty idealism has emerged.