As tributes pour in for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024, religious leaders across the country share their thoughts on Carter's religious beliefs and the ways he demonstrated them. and share their insights.
In 2018, Carter himself published Faith: A Journey For All, in which he shared the lessons he had learned throughout his life.
“The most important example of faith in my life is the marriage vows I made with Rosalyn.” Carter writes in his book:
Jimmy Carter spent nearly two years in hospice care before passing away at age 100.
“When we got married, we could have said, “I love you now, and I trust that I will continue to love you and be faithful to you.'' Instead, we both believed in God. In front of him, he made a vow: “From this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, I will love and cherish you and cherish you until death do us part.'' ”
Rosalynn Carter and Democratic presidential candidate and then-former Georgia governor Jimmy Carter shared a moment on a campaign plane. (Getty Images)
Carter also said their love and faith helped them overcome 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.
Carter continued to teach from time to time throughout his life, speaking from the pulpit on Pentecost in 2019.
“When we feel God in our hearts, it is the Holy Spirit.”
Mr. Carter said of Jesus Christ, “Even after his crucifixion and resurrection, he is still with us through the Holy Spirit.''
“So when 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)
“Whenever we feel God in our hearts, it's the Holy Spirit. So it's the easiest thing to explain, but it's easy to forget,” he added.
“Spirit of unity”
Mr. Carter was a longtime member of the Southern Baptist Convention until 2009, when he submitted his resignation to the Southern Baptist Convention.
In media interviews, Carter referred to the church's increasingly “strict” views.
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“After 65 years, I have finally decided that I can no longer be associated with the Southern Baptist Convention,” he wrote.
He continued as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.
“Our prayer is that we can avoid this divisive act and hold fast to the traditional beliefs that have sustained our ancestors and us for generations in a spirit of unity and cooperation.”
He continued as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.
“It was an honor.”
The Rev. Franklin Graham, CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said others should pray for the entire Carter family.
“He served as our nation's 39th president during the tumultuous '70s and '80s, when we were facing inflation, oil shortages and the Iran hostage crisis,” Graham said Sunday evening on Fox News Digital. said in a statement shared. , he also posted on his Facebook page.
George H. poses with evangelists Billy Graham and Franklin Graham before the dedication of the Billy Graham Library on the campus of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 31, 2007. – Former US Presidents W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter (far right). . (Reuters/Chris Keene)
“He and my father, Billy Graham, had a close relationship and I was honored to have him at the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte in 2007,” Graham added.
“Initiatives for people in need”
“Jimmy Carter grew up going to church and was baptized at age 11,” said Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington. “Although his parents were devoted, he later admitted that their relationship with God was superficial.”
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Bradley added, “His life was transformed in 1967, and he began reading the Bible consistently and became an avid follower of Jesus.”
“He began reading the Bible consistently and became an avid follower of Jesus.”
Former President Carter “held his faith as a courageous and inspiring advocate of racial reconciliation. He also took practical action with a determination to provide aid to those in need.” Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have advocated for affordable housing for all through Habitat for Humanity.
Former President Carter speaks to the congregation at Maranatha Baptist Church before teaching Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on April 28, 2019. After leaving the White House in 1981, former President Carter regularly taught Sunday school at church. (Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“Carter's life reminds us to come together intentionally, to forge true friendships while truly enjoying and appreciating each other…knowing Jesus as our Savior,” Bradley said. Remember that nothing is more important than loving your neighbor every day.”
“Lighted the Hanukkah menorah in public for the first time.”
Florida-based Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, director of the American Federation of Faiths, told Fox News Digital on Sunday night: “President Carter started the national menorah ceremony in 1979 and publicly celebrated the Hanukkah menorah. He was the first American president to light a fire.”
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At the time, Taylor said, “While the United States was grappling with the Iran hostage crisis, Carter drew inspiration from Hanukkah's message of hope and resilience to emphasize the universal values of freedom and faith.” “The improvised words reflected a deep meaning,” he added. It is about understanding the symbolism of the menorah, that even in the darkest moments, light and unity can prevail. ”
He continued: “Not only was this law a milestone in religious pluralism, it also helped popularize the lighting of public menorahs around the world.”
“The Heart of a Servant”
Walker Wildmon, vice president of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Mississippi, and chief executive officer of AFA Action, AFA's government affiliate, told Fox News Digital, “President Jimmy Carter He has made many contributions in the field of humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
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“He has modeled the importance of family throughout his life and career, and I pray that God will give President Carter and his family peace during this time.”
