Are Christians Not To Criticize Governing Authorities?

Romans 13 and Submission to Governing Authorities

Romans 13 1 2 says, Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed.

So this means Christians must do whatever the government tells them to do, right? And never criticize even wicked rulers, capisce? No, that's not what this means. To be subject means to yield to authority.

Christ's Authority Before Pilate

And as Christians we recognize there is no authority except from God. Jesus said to Pilate, You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. That's quite a statement to make to a ruler of Rome, and yet Jesus submitted to that authority in submission to the Father.

Critiquing Evil Policies and Evil People

Now some will say we should critique policies, not people. But evil policies come from evil people. Abortion, same-sex marriage, porn, transgender laws, drag queen story hour at the public library. These things are wicked.

Jesus said out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, and evil policies. John the Baptist spoke out against King Herod's sin, and John was beheaded. He did not merely critique policies.

Correcting Opponents with Gentleness

He critiqued an unlawful life, not by Rome's standards, but God's. His word has authority over all people, even in the government. The Bible says that the Lord's servant corrects opponents with gentleness.

We can do this. In fact, we must. And still be subject to the governing authorities when we understand the text.