What is the spiritual foundation for protest as Christians? Romans 13:1–4 tells us that governing officials are God’s servants to do good, constrain evil, and promote righteousness. Therefore, we are subject to those authorities, because “whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Yet Acts 5:29 reminds us that when authorities command what God forbids or forbid what God commands, “we must obey God rather than human authority.” These two truths sit in tension—and it is in that tension that the spiritual foundation for protest arises.  

Government is intended to serve as God’s servant for the common good. But when governing authorities fail—when they punish the righteous or reward the unjust—they step outside of their God-given purpose. Scripture is clear: rulers are not beyond accountability. The prophets consistently confronted leaders when they strayed from God’s justice. Nathan rebuked David, Elijah opposed Ahab, John the Baptist denounced Herod. Each stood as a witness that God alone is sovereign, and human authority is always accountable to divine authority.  

Scripture is also clear regarding our responsibilities. For example, God’s command to “Defend the rights of the poor and needy” is unambiguous. Yet policies that cut food assistance, impose harsh work requirements on those who struggle, or criminalize homelessness effectively punish poverty. In such cases, authorities are not commending good but perpetuating evil. To obey God in these circumstances is to resist such policies—to feed, clothe, and shelter those in need, even when systems attempt to deny them.  

Additionally, in Deuteronomy 10:19, God commands, “You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Yet our government has often restricted refugees, separated families at the border, or placed barriers in the way of asylum seekers. When authorities forbid what God commands—hospitality, compassion, justice—Christians must obey God rather than human authority. To do otherwise would be to betray the gospel itself.  

So, what should Christians do when governing authorities fail to do what is good? First, we must bear prophetic witness. Like the prophets, we must name injustice plainly and call rulers back to God’s standard. Second, we must embody the alternative. The Church cannot wait for governments to act justly; we must feed the hungry, welcome the refugee, and care for the oppressed. Third, we must be prepared for holy disobedience. When laws or policies contradict the commands of God, our allegiance is clear: “We must obey God rather than human authority.”  

The spiritual foundation for protest, then, is not rebellion for its own sake but fidelity to God. Protest is the Church’s witness that while rulers may fail, God’s justice does not. It is our declaration that authority belongs ultimately to the One who lifts the lowly, topples the mighty, and calls us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

The Reverend Dr. Debora Jackson is a successful academic administrator with a breadth of senior leadership experiences as a C-level executive, director, consultant and pastor. A recognized thought leader, Dr. Jackson was formerly the Harry G. Stoddard Endowed Professor Management and Dean of The Business School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She has written numerous articles, book chapters, and two books, Meant for Good: Fundamentals in Womanist Leadership (Judson Press, 2019) and Spiritual Practices for Effective Leadership: 7 R’s of Sanctuary for Pastors (Judson Press, 2015), which was the 2016 Illumination Book Silver Medal Award Winner. Dr. Jackson is a Board Member of A Faith That Does Justice.