Dad didn’t care much for Jimmy Carter (at least not politically), but Grandot (what I called my paternal grandfather) did. And I grew up witnessing their political debates. Dad was a diehard conservative Republican, who cast his first vote for Barry Goldwater. Grandot was a classic FDR / JFK / RFK / LBJ Democrat. I learned a lot about politics just listening to those two go at it. 🙂
One thing Dad conceded, though, was that Jimmy Carter was a good and decent man.
It’s hard not to respect Jimmy Carter.
Born and raised in Georgia, Jimmy Carter stood for racial equality and the end of segregation in the South—at a time when it wasn’t exactly popular for a white man to take such a stand. Carter was always driven by “Love your neighbor.”
As a side note, I feel I need to say the following in defense of my father. Dad agreed with Carter on racial equality and civil rights. His biggest issue with Carter was foreign policy. Dad was a passionate anti-communist who joined the US Naval Reserve and volunteered for service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Dad believed in a strong America and wanted the US to win the Cold War. And thus…
Many people, like my father, were disappointed in Carter’s foreign policy. They argued that Carter was, at least at times, duped or taken advantage of by some of the world’s more nefarious actors. Say what you will about the results of Carter’s foreign policy in the 1970s, one thing is clear: Jimmy Carter was always sincere and passionate in his pursuit of peace. He takes Jesus’ words to heart: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).
Even Dad praised Carter for the 1978 Camp David Accords, where President Carter brokered a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. Carter facilitated intense negotiations between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, resulting in a peace treaty that has endured for decades.
Because the Soviets were gaining ground on the US in the 1970s and due to the Iranian Hostage Crisis, Dad (and a majority of Americans) voted for Ronald Reagan in 1980. (Grandot stuck with Carter).
But Carter didn’t let his loss of the presidency stop him from serving others.
Since leaving office in 1981, Carter became renowned for his humanitarian work and tireless community service. He founded the Carter Center, which focuses on advancing human rights, promoting peace, and eradicating diseases like Guinea worm and river blindness in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. His longtime work with Habitat for Humanity, where he has helped build homes for low-income families, further demonstrates his dedication to lifting others up.
Carter has always identified himself with Christ. His deep Christian faith has been a cornerstone of his life–before, during, and since his presidency. Carter has been actively involved in his church for decades, even continuing to teach Sunday school well into his 90s.
I remember watching (on TV) the White House Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in 1980 (shortly after Carter’s loss to Reagan). Carter couldn’t have been clearer about who Jesus was and why He came. Even Dad was impressed. 🙂
I fully accept Jimmy Carter as a brother in Christ, though I must confess that some of his theological views do concern me. He comes from a more theologically liberal tradition–one that led him to break away years ago from the Southern Baptist Convention. His view of biblical inerrancy, for example, is (to me) disappointing. Nevertheless…
I can’t help but like Jimmy Carter.
If you want to learn more about his faith and theological views, I encourage you to check out this cordial discussion between former President Carter and Dr. Al Mohler, the head of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. This discussion took place back in 2012. It’s worth looking at.
A Conversation With Former President Jimmy Carter
In the discussion with Dr. Mohler, Carter says he believes the Bible is “divinely inspired,” but believes that its writers “interpreted” God’s revelation according to “their knowledge” and “fallible” nature. This is a popular belief among theologically liberal Christians. As a theologically conservative Christian, I know where he’s headed with that. It’s unsettling.
For the record… yes, God is perfect and humans aren’t. Yes, God used “fallible human beings” to author the Scriptures. Yes, those fallible humans wrote what they wrote according to their perspective and knowledge. But…
God is able to transcend human limitations. The inspiration of the Bible isn’t limited by people. It’s empowered by the Holy Spirit. Carter and I are not on the same page (no pun intended) in our outlook on the Bible.
Carter also takes a strong position in this discussion against the current Southern Baptist view of complimentarianism when it comes to women. He is an egalitarian through and through. He also expresses reservations about the eternal fate of those who never heard about Jesus. It’s an interesting discussion that touches on a variety of issues. I can get into those issues in future articles.
For now, I’ll simply say that Carter isn’t as far to the left as the late John Shelby Spong. People like Spong, who was an Anglican bishop, treat the Bible as literature — bad literature. Carter is what could probably be described as a moderate liberal (theologically speaking). He still respects the Bible. Still believes in the miracles of Jesus. And in the sacrifice of Jesus.
In his discussion with Mohler, Carter declares unequivocally:
“I believe that Jesus was come from a virgin birth. I believe Christ died for our sins on the cross. I believe He was resurrected and that we are promised, if we have faith in Christ through the grace of God, that we will inherit eternal life. I believe that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son.
These are words I love to hear (or read).
I don’t agree with all of his political or theological views, but I admire and respect Jimmy Carter. And, so I can lay aside those differences, engage him as a brother in Christ, and on this 100th birthday, say to him:
Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. President! May God bless you and your family.
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