Apparently, it is God who is responsible for selecting the rulers of countries be they democratic or otherwise, dictators, tyrants or benign rulers. If this is the case, and given God's omniscience, you would expect God's selection procedure would ensure only the righteous and just are made rulers of their countries. However, this is not what really happens. From time immemorial, we have seen rulers pillage and destroy their countries, to the detriment of their own citizens; think of most of Africa. Nigeria is a case in point. One of the most religious nations on earth, with the level of privations not untypical of the 15 century. What is happening with God's ministration?
This is what the Apostle Paul had to say about the rulers of countries,
Romans 13;
1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.2
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
In the light of the above, should an oppressed people seek to overthrow a corrupt and unjust ruler?
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