As tributes pour in from all corners for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100, Faith leaders Across the country, we share thoughts and insights about Carter’s religious beliefs and the ways in which he expressed them.
In 2018, Carter self-published Faith: A Journey For All, sharing the lessons he learned throughout his life.
“The most important example of faith in my life was the wedding vows I exchanged with Rosalynn.” Carter wrote in his book.
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“At the time of our wedding we could have said, ‘I love you now and I believe I will always love you and be faithful to you.’ Instead, we both swore an oath before God “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and.” in the health sectorto love and cherish until death do us part.’”
Rosalynn Carter and then-former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, the Democratic presidential candidate, shared a moment aboard his campaign plane. (Getty Images)
Carter also shared that their love and faith allowed them to triumph over the differences and challenges they experienced.
Taught at Marantha Baptist Church
Carter taught Sunday school at his home church, Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.
He taught from time to time throughout his life and in 2019 Carter spoke from the pulpit on the Day of Pentecost.
“Whenever we feel God in our hearts, it is the Holy Spirit.”
“After his crucifixion and resurrection, he is still with us through the Holy Spirit,” Carter said of Jesus Christ.
“So whenever we feel the presence of Jesus in our hearts it is the Holy Spirit.”
Former President Carter taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church. (FOX NEWS)
He added: “And whenever we feel God in our hearts, that is the Holy Spirit. So it’s the easiest thing to explain, but it’s also easy to forget.”
“Spirit of Unity”
Carter was a longtime member of the Southern Baptist Convention until he sent a letter of resignation to the convention in 2009.
In media interviews, Carter referred to the church’s increasingly “rigid” views.
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“I have finally decided that after 65 years I can no longer be associated with the Southern Baptist Convention,” he wrote.
He continued to work as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.
“Our prayer is that we can avoid this divisive action and hold fast to the traditional beliefs that have sustained our ancestors and us for generations in a spirit of unity and cooperation.”
He continues to work as a deacon and Sunday school teachers.
“We felt honored”
Reverend Franklin GrahamCEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said others should pray for the entire Carter family.
“He served as our country’s 39th president during a turbulent time in the ’70s and ’80s when we faced inflation, oil shortages and a hostage crisis in Iran,” Graham said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital on Sunday evening also posted on his Facebook page.
Former U.S. Presidents George HW Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter (far right) pose with evangelists Billy Graham and Franklin Graham before the dedication of the Billy Graham Library at the campus of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, March 31. May 2007. (REUTERS/Chris Keane)
“He and my father, Billy Graham“I had a close relationship and it was an honor to have him at the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte in 2007,” Graham added.
“Commitment to those in need”
“Jimmy Carter grew up in the church and was baptized at age 11,” said Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington. “His parents were devoted, but he later admitted that his relationship with God was superficial.”
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Bradley added, “In 1967 there was a renewal in his life and he began consistently reading his Bible and becoming a serious follower of Jesus.”
“He began reading the Bible consistently and became a serious follower of Jesus.”
He also said that the former president “lived his faith as a courageous and inspiring advocate for racial reconciliation. He was also passionate about taking practical action and advocating for the care of those in need. Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have been “proponents of affordable housing for all through Habitat for Humanity.”
Former President Carter speaks to the congregation at Maranatha Baptist Church on April 28, 2019, before teaching Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Carter taught Sunday school regularly at the church after he left the White House in 1981. (Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Bradley said: “Carter’s life reminds us to be purposeful with unity. Build authentic friendships by genuinely enjoying and appreciating one another…Remember that there is nothing more important than knowing Jesus as your Savior and loving your neighbor daily.”
“First person to publicly light the Hanukkah menorah.”
Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, director of the Florida-based American Faith Coalition, told Fox News Digital on Sunday evening: “Carter was the first American president to speak publicly.” a Hanukkah menorahwho opened the national menorah ceremony in 1979.
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At the time, Taylor added, “the United States was grappling with the Iran hostage crisis, but Carter was inspired by the Hanukkah message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the universal values of freedom and faith. His spontaneous words during the ceremony reflected a deep meaning. “Understanding the symbolism of the menorah – that even in the darkest moments, light and unity can prevail.”
He continued, “This act not only marked a milestone in religious pluralism, but also helped popularize public menorah lightings worldwide.”
“Heart of a Servant”
Walker Wildmon, vice president of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Mississippi, and CEO of AFA Action, AFA’s government affairs affiliate, told Fox News Digital: “President Jimmy Carter embodied the heart of a servant throughout his life. “The contributions in the field of humanitarian aid and disaster relief are numerous.”
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He added: “He also exemplified the importance of family throughout his life and career. We pray that God grants peace to President Carter and his family during this time.”
