Christians Didn't Protest Nero...should we?

Are we wrong to object? Are we wrong to protest? What does the Bible say?

I am aware that the scriptures tell us to pray for our leaders...and that many think we should not even criticize our leaders or government. We listen to many radio and internet programs in which the host and guests are pointing out all the flaws in government and our leaders, and urge Christians to 'stand up' 'call your Congressman' 'vote him out', etc. In light of this, I've been earnestly seeking answers in scripture...and what I've found is, indeed, an eye-opener. I've made similar posts on various friends' walls within the past week or so, and received some great responses...but still, the whole concept of a Christian's involvement in politics plagues me. How about you?

Unless you can point me otherwise, I've discovered we are to pray for our leaders, submit to their authority, and obey the government in all things.  Read "in all things". Could it be that we are ignoring scriputure teachings? Are we wrong in protesting, wrong in objecting, wrong in criticizing, and wrong in desiring a change in government?

Romans 13: 1-7 says we have to be submissive to the government, that God appointed our government and rulers, and that anyone who resists the government is fighting against God:

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor".

Essentially that's all I've found...nothing about 'political action committees', 'tea parties', or anything AT-ALL concering a Christian's involvement in civic affairs. Period.

Paul penned his comments (Romans 13) while NERO was sacking Rome, burning people, throwing Christians to the lions, etc etc). I could NOT find any scripture that even hinted at "removing a corrupt official"...and of course, "democracy", as we know it, wasn't even invented at the time of Christ. At the end of all my poring-over-scriptures and research, I could only deduct once again that scripture says nothing specific about "voting", or "getting rid of a corrupt official" other than a general thought that we are to 'follow God, and not man'.

Actually, if Christians just "sat back" over the years, there would BE no Christianity today. Everyone would have been martyred.

The other day, I picked up on the fact that at least three times Jesus "escaped", or "disappeared" or "got outa there" when he was threatened...BUT he wasn't threatened by the government, it was the 'crowd'...

God is in control. I agree...but to discuss this statement, may I comment that with God in control, why do we try to change things (vote someone out), or do ANYTHING at all...if, indeed, 'God-is-in-control'? If God is in "control", aren't we just puppets? Perfect will? Submissive will?

Lots of questions here...please try to share your thoughts on all the points I'm trying to understand. Remember...if we believe ONE scripture, shouldn't we believe all the rest?

I am sincerely, humbly seeking answers here.

Where are the scriptures that tell us to object to our government, complain about our president, etc???