Letter 42
Deirdre Good
Theologian in Residence
Trinity Wall Street
March 2, 2017
Dear President Trump, Vice President Pence, Members of the Trump Administration and 115th Congress,
Today we look to new leaders to exemplify our democratic values and model how to act in the world. Sacred texts from several ancient cultures esteem the virtues of humility and gentleness as essential and effective modes of leadership.
In a Chinese text written over two thousand years ago, the sage of the Tao Te Ching (500-200 BCE) offers some keen advice about leadership: “I have three treasures…The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; and the third is not presuming to act like a leader of the world. Gentle, so able to be bold; Frugal, so able to be lavish; Not presuming to act like a leader of the world, so able to become head of government.”
This text contrasts loud and outgoing qualities—being bold, lavish and self-assertive—with quiet ones—being gentle, frugal, self-effacing. Outgoing qualities by themselves are mere bluster; but when grounded in quiet qualities, they can be deployed far more effectively to benefit the greater good.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul highlights some of these same values when he praises “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Gospel of Matthew shows how Jesus embodied these quiet virtues. Matthew uses Zechariah 9:9 to describe the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem as a meek king, “humble and riding on a donkey” (Matthew 21:5). Likewise, Jesus exercises power through gentleness and humility: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest…for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30). Who better than Jesus proves the benefits of ruling with benevolence and compassion, instead of acting like a tyrannical despot?
As you occupy our nation’s highest office, which leadership qualities will you demonstrate?
Sincerely,
Deirdre Good
Deirdre Good
Theologian in Residence
Trinity Wall Street

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