Ask the Elder: What are the Biblical reasons for protesting the President?

The Revs. Shawna Bowman and Magdalena Garciá preside over Communion at Fourth Presbyterian Church during a Chicago Presbytery Assembly. Photo: Gerald Farinas.

There are many good reasons from the Bible why Christians might choose to protest any U.S. presidential administration.

The Bible teaches us to care for people who are poor, hurting, or left out.

In Isaiah 1:17, God tells us to “do good, seek justice, and help those who are oppressed.”

But the current administration supported rules that hurt immigrants and refugees—like separating children from their parents at the border.

The Bible tells us to welcome strangers and treat them with kindness (Leviticus 19:33–34, Matthew 25:35), not push them away.

The Bible also says God doesn’t like pride or people who act like they’re better than everyone else.

James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

The administration has often bragged about themselves, insulted others, and refused to say when they were wrong.

That’s not what Jesus taught.

Jesus told us to be humble and serve others.

Telling the truth is also important in the Bible.

One of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall not lie” (Exodus 20:16).

Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord hates lying lips.”

But the administration has told thousands of lies, about things like the election and the pandemic. These lies have hurt people and caused division.

The Bible says we can see what’s inside a person by looking at the “fruit” of their life.

Galatians 5:22–23 says the fruit of the Spirit is love, kindness, patience, and self-control.

But the ansministration often shows the opposite—anger, cruelty, and selfishness.

Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16).

When people look at the andministration’s actions, many see bad fruit.

Jesus also warned about people who pretend to be religious but only care about power.

In Matthew 23, he called them hypocrites.

In 2020, the President stood in front of a church and held up a Bible after police pushed away peaceful protestors.

Many Christians felt that this used faith as a photo opportunity, not as something holy.

Lastly, the Bible tells us to treat everyone fairly.

Leviticus 19:15 says, “Do not treat people unfairly. Don’t show favoritism to the rich or to the poor.”

This administration has often helped the rich and powerful while hurting those who have less.

Its leaders have also said things that stirred up racism and hate.

God calls us to treat everyone with love and fairness (Amos 5:24).

So, protesting the presidential administration is not just about politics.

It’s about standing up for what the Bible teaches—truth, fairness, kindness, and care for those in need.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6).

If we speak out because we want a world that looks more like God’s kingdom, we are following Jesus’ example.