Resistance has long been intertwined with faith, serving as a profound expression of spiritual conviction in the face of injustice. Throughout history, individuals motivated by their beliefs have stood against oppressive systems, embodying the principle that true faith demands action. I love history and I have often wondered what I might do in troubled times. Would I hide, or would I be in the mix?
Biblical Foundations of Faithful Resistance
The Bible is rich with stories of resistance. The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defied Pharaoh’s genocidal order out of reverence for God (Exodus 1:15-21). Daniel continued to pray, even when it was outlawed (Daniel 6:10). In the book of Acts, the apostles boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29).
These examples teach us that when human laws contradict God’s call to justice, compassion, and righteousness, faithful people must choose holy resistance.
Bonhoeffer, Parks, King, Gandhi, and Tutu
Many of my personal hero’s have been people of resistance – doing their best for humankind and the people around them! People like:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer resisted Hitler’s regime, ultimately paying for it with his life. His theology of “costly grace” insisted that true discipleship requires action—even dangerous action.
Rosa Parks, fueled by her deep Christian faith, refused to move to the back of a segregated bus. Her quiet act of courage sparked a movement. She once said, “I learned people should stand up for their rights just as the children of Israel stood up to the Pharaoh.”
Martin Luther King Jr. preached nonviolent resistance as a divine imperative. His sermons and marches were steeped in Scripture and love for all humanity.
Mahatma Gandhi, a man of deep spiritual conviction, taught the world the power of satyagraha—truth-force. His example influenced countless justice movements, including Dr. King’s.
Desmond Tutu confronted apartheid with fierce love. “If you are neutral in situations of injustice,” he warned, “you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
My Feet in the Street on April 5
On April 5, 2025, I was supposed to be out of town. But through a series of events, I wasn’t able to go. Instead, I attended a rally with some people from my church, and when I arrived they (my church members) handed me a speaker card. Unprepared and unsure, I found myself standing before 1000-1500 people in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, as part of the nationwide Hands Off! protest. That weekend, our city also hosted the annual Azalea Festival. It was a vivid contrast—flowers and music in one part of town, protest signs and bullhorns in another. Both were beautiful in their own way.
The protest responded to actions of the current administration, like attacks on education, massive tariffs and tanking the economy, removal of consumer protections, eliminating the balance of power by ignoring the checks and balances! Project 2025, is quickly a federal policy initiative that threatens civil liberties, especially for LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, the poor, and religious minorities. It’s an agenda cloaked in Christian language, but not in the love of Christ. And this demands resistance.
I was humbled to speak at the rally. As I stood there among a wide variety of people—I knew we were on sacred ground.
Speech Summary: “Resistance as an Act of Faith”
I was caught flat footed, with no prepared words but leaned into one of my favorite verses – Micah 6:8, which I wear on my wrist – What does God require but to Love mercy, Do Justice, and Walk humbly with God! In this short speech, I reminded the crowd that our faith is not passive. It calls us into the streets. Rooted in love and grace, resistance becomes a spiritual act when we confront injustice with courage and compassion. I challenged us to live into a faith that is bold, just, and unwilling to be silent.
“We are here because our faith demands more of us.”
Watch the speech below:
Resistance in 2025
This year, we’re seeing a dangerous normalization of Christian nationalism and policy decisions that threaten democracy. In Georgia, a new religious freedom bill risks legal discrimination. National faith offices are being led by individuals with controversial theological and ethical records. Faith is being co-opted—not for healing, but for control.
People of faith must speak out. We must be clear that Jesus stood with the outcast, not the empire. Our resistance must be visible, vocal, and grounded in love.
A Living Faith
Resistance isn’t about hate. It’s about hope. It’s about loving your neighbor enough to fight for their rights. It’s about loving God enough to disrupt the status quo when it harms God’s people.
I walked that road on April 5. I’ll walk it again today, tomorrow, and as long as I need to. And I hope you’ll walk it with me—because our faith isn’t just something we say. It’s something we do.
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