Faith a strong force in Jimmy Carter’s life, say leaders: ‘Heart of a servant’

As tributes pour in from all over for former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100, religious leaders across the country exchange opinions and insights into 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’s learned throughout his life.

“The most important example of faith in my life is the marriage vows I exchanged with Rosalynn,” Carter wrote in his book.

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“At the time of our marriage, we were able to say, ‘I love you now and I believe I will always love and be faithful to you.’ Instead, we both swore an oath before God ‘that we will have and hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in healthto love and cherish, till death do us part.'”

Carter also said 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 continued to teach from time to time throughout his life, and in 2019, Carter spoke from the pulpit on All Souls’ Day.

“Whenever we feel God in our hearts, it is the Holy Spirit.”

“After he was crucified and resurrected, he is still with us through the Holy Spirit,” Carter said of Jesus Christ.

“So, whenever we feel The presence of Jesus in our heart, it is the Holy Spirit.”

He added, “And whenever we feel God in our hearts, it’s 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 2009, when he submitted a letter of resignation to the convention.

In interviews with the media, Carter cited the increasingly “rigid” views of the church.

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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 as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

“Our prayer is that we can avoid this divisive action and adhere to the traditional beliefs that have sustained our ancestors and us for generations in a spirit of unity and cooperation.”

He continued as deacon and a Sunday school teacher.

‘It was an honor for us’

Reverend Franklin Grahamexecutive director of both Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said others should pray for the entire Carter family.

“He was our nation’s 39th president during a turbulent period in the ’70s and ’80s when we were dealing with inflation and oil shortages and the Iran hostage crisis,” Graham said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital on Sunday night. , which he also published on his Facebook page.

“He and my father, Billy Grahamhe had a close relationship and we were honored to have him join us for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte in 2007,” added Graham.

‘Commitment to those in need’

“Jimmy Carter grew up going to church and was baptized at age 11,” said Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church near Seattle, Washington. “His parents were devoted, but he later admitted that his relationship with God was superficial.”

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Added Bradley, “There was a renewal in his life in 1967, and he began to read his Bible consistently, becoming a serious follower of Jesus.”

“He began reading his Bible consistently, becoming a serious follower of Jesus.”

He also said the former president “lived his faith as a courageous and inspiring advocate for racial reconciliation. He was also passionate about taking practical action, with a commitment to helping people in need. Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have been advocates for affordable housing for all through Habitat for Humanity.”

Bradley said, “Carter’s life reminds us to be intentional with unity. We build authentic friendships while genuinely enjoying and appreciating each other…Remember that there is nothing more important than knowing Jesus as your Savior and loving your neighbor every day.”

‘The first to publicly light the menorah for Hanukkah’

Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, director of the Florida-based American Religious Coalition, told Fox News Digital Sunday night, “Carter was the first American president to publicly shed light on Menorah for Hanukkahinaugurating 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 found inspiration in Hanukkah’s message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the universal values ​​of freedom and faith. His impromptu words during the ceremony reflected a deep understanding of the symbolism of the menorah — that even in the darkest moments, light and unity can prevail.”

He continued: “This act not only marked a turning point in religious pluralism – it also helped popularize the public lighting of the menorah around the world.”

“Heart of a Servant”

Walker Wildmon, vice president of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Mississippi, and executive director of AFA Action, AFA’s government affairs arm, told Fox News Digital, “Throughout his life, President Jimmy Carter exemplified the heart of a servant. He contributes in the arena humanitarian aid and disaster relief are abundant.”

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He added, “He also modeled the importance of family throughout his life and career. We pray that God will grant President Carter and his family peace during this time.”