I think Bishop Dr. Bagonza was taking a theological posture here.
When a society or a body of believers falls into deep spiritual complacency, minor disruptions often fail to get their attention. Theologians argue that God may allow a harsh regime or dictator to strip away false security, material wealth, and worldly reliance. This severe mercy forces a "sleeping" people to realize their helplessness, leading to:
🔹Repentance—Desperation drives people back to prayer and a posture of humility.
🔹Distinguishing Truth from Falsehood—Oppression makes the contrast between the kingdom of the world and the Kingdom of God starkly clear.
🔹The Purification of the Church—Historically, the Christian church has often grown its deepest roots and shown its greatest resilience not under comfortable democracies, but under intense persecution and hostile regimes.
There are clear theological distinctions though. While Romans 13:1 states that "
there is no authority except that which God has established," theologians emphasize that
establishing a ruler does not mean God approves of their wickedness. God does not cause the dictator to sin, but He can sovereignly channel human depravity to fulfill a larger macro-purpose. Furthermore, scripture guarantees that every tyrant is on a leash; their power is strictly bound by time, and God ultimately holds them fully accountable for their cruelty.