What does the Lord require of you
But to act justly, love mercy,
And walk humbly.
—Micah 6.8
* * *
Jimmy Carter was a Baptist. I once was, too. So I know Carter was weaned on the Bible.
Many Bible-weaned Christians cite the Bible to justify homophobia, holy wars, slavery, and the subjugation of women. Carter did not. He was not your typical born-again Christian. He was humble, gracious, and smart.
He installed solar panels on the roof of the White House.
(Reagan removed them.)
Carter’s Bible was well worn. Certain verses were highlighted. Others were not. Carter ignored the vile parts and embraced the ennobling parts.
He read where Jesus said:
As you did it unto the least of these, you did it unto me. (Matthew 25.40)
Carter understood that Jesus meant for us to care for everyone, not just our kind. He advocated for universal human rights—the first president to do so. He forged peace between Israel and Egypt. He pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders.
Carter lost to Reagan in 1980 but went on to build houses with Habitat for Humanity and monitor foreign elections.
And that’s not all.
The Carter Center—a nonprofit established to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering—spearheaded a campaign in 21 African nations to eradicate Guinea worm disease which has afflicted millions. In 1986 there were an estimated 3.5 million cases. In 2024, less than 20!
I was hungry and you fed me. Naked and you clothed me. Sick and you cared for me. In prison and you visited me. (Matthew 25.35)
As many have said, you can find anything you want in the Bible. Carter found love. Trump found something else.
Trump hasn’t read the Bible. (He doesn’t read books.) But he heard somewhere that Jesus was crucified by his enemies on bogus charges. And just like that, Trump saw a comparison.
Some people say I’m a lot like Jesus. I guess I am. And I will have my retribution.
(Something Jesus never once considered. He died with forgiveness on his lips.)
Carter said he wanted to live long enough to vote for Kamala Harris. Check. He also said he wanted to live long enough to see the eradication of Guinea worm disease. Close enough.
Happily, Carter didn’t live long enough to witness the next inauguration, where undoubtedly Trump’s Inauguration Day Edition of the God Bless the USA Bible ($69.99) will be hawked.
Trump was weaned on greed.
Thank you for this excellent blog! Someone said, “It is not faith or works. It is not faith and works. It is faith that works.” Jimmy Carter embodied that spirit—not one of dogma or doctrine, but one of deeds, especially for the less fortunate, It’s a lesson for all of us.
Thank you Larry.
Thanks for this powerful piece in tribute to a powerful man. The scorecard of a life can be measured in many ways. You seemed to have applied criteria of a Baptist that appreciated the old stories and travelled the path of righteousness with Jesus in mind. There was no need to grade Jimmy Carter on the curve. Heck, Jesus himself might have lust in his heart a time or two. And likely would have confessed it if Playboy was around in his day.
His Secret Service codename was Deacon, reflecting his strong faith and the fact that he continued to teach bible school as President. Trump’s code name was Mogul. I expect his code name will be Tesla in the next go around.
Thanks for this post. I imagine a lot of people needed it, including me.
Jimmy Carter was a wonderful man! He was mocked and disregardrd, and his successor ushered into our current season of greed — which is now at it’s zenith. If you’re still around, Jimmy, send us some healing energy. We need it!
Thank you for this good message. The very short Carter Center ceremony yesterday included the magnificent Morehouse College Glee Club singing The Lord’s Prayer and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Beautiful voices and faces. Touching.
Jimmy Carter managed to be a great man and remain a good man. He was genuine as dirt and peanuts of his farm. He practiced humility, hung out with Smokin Willie Nelson, Gregg Allman and the whole band. He taught Sunday School all the way through at Maranatha Baptist Church which left the Southern Baptist Convention. Jimmy Carter took Jesus seriously, followed his teachings and the lessons of his life.
Thank you, Stew. Well said!
I’m very upset about many of the same things that you all are upset about. Like you, too, I imagine, I have loved ones awaiting critical biopsy reports and other terrifically sad things. I don ‘t shed tears over these like I think I should, but just thinking of Jimmy Carter chokes me up. It hurts that he was so under appreciated. It thrills me to see how he is getting at least some of the honor and recognition that he deserves, but selflessly never seemed to need. What would our country, our world be like if there were more Jimmy Carters? Oh, I could go on. I believe that we have been truly graced by his presence, and I just don’t want to let go. Funny, but for many years I’ve proclaimed my idols to have the same JC initials. Jimmy, Jesus and Julia. Jimmy would have a laugh over that.
Yes… indeed. Jimmy walked the walk; used his intellect and heart; & his soul led the way. So many acts of kindness, acts of integrity, and he told the truth – even when to do so cost him dearly politically – because he loved us, loved our country, loved our constitution more than he loved power or prestige…& because he knew that this was the way…
Solar energy projects were humming in the late 70’s, thanks to Jimmy. Mental Health clinics sprung up across the land. And his personal, intelligent & insightful efforts helped carry the Peace between Israel & Egypt across the finish line. A true man of Peace & Healing. We here are grateful for his legacy that leads on…we will follow, as best we can.
Thank you for this tribute to a truly great human being.
Over the last few days I have been reflecting on the man that Jimmy Carter was for our country. His speech calling on Americans to be kind, caring and peaceful, moving away from greed and individualism struck me hard. Since then we have moved far away from that under the banner of Trump. I have wondered if we will ever get back to living like Carter had encouraged. In despair I think never. But then I think of Germany and Hitler. That stopped. I feel we can move ahead with the understanding that hope and love are still in the air. Thanks to what we are hearing this week about Jimmy Carter we can let ourselves be inspired once again. We’re in for a dreadful 4 years. And we must stay strong, active and loving people throughout that time! Thanks for the reminders Randy!
❤️ Thank you, Catherine.
I was on Governor and President Carters staff. I can vouch for this soul-ful examination of an incredible person. And like the stories of Jesus, (and this is a read reach), his staff (read disciples) would make big mistakes and you always got a second chance. But he expected us to try for the very best we could do. He was not a humorous man, but he loved a real good time-being with a few friends, talking to real people like Willie and others. BTW, he was no more a peanut farmer than Truman was a haberdasher or Wilson was a teacher. Carter was just as much a naval officer and a nuclear engineer. (But “peanut farmer” is sort of a way of lowering him to the speaker’s level.) Carter’s only life time occupation was to be a man of God. He did it for a long time.
What an honor to serve with & for him Paul. Thank you for sharing your bird’s eye view of this great human being!
I appreciate your vantage point. Thanks for sharing!
So great to hear your perspective as an “insider.” It widened and enriched our view. Thanks for being a part of this conversation!
I agree with Ardyth. Your postscript is a lovely gift. Thank you.
I flew back east from California on Saturday evening, but spent the night in Va. and only returned home yesterday afternoon. Snowstorm prep then consumed me. But positive comments on Jimmy Carter’s presidency are never tardy, especially considering the times we live in. History’s analysis of Carter’s single term, and his post-presidency, is kind. History’s analysis of the American Demagogue’s second term won’t be so forgiving. That is if the judgement of history is allowed to naturally proceed into the future. Only time will tell. It’s all up to the consent of the governed. In other words, each one of us.
Thank you Randy for this tribute to Jimmy Carter. So many people critized him for any bandwagon they could jump on and being a southerner is always a reliable bandwagon for poking fun, as is being a peanut farmer. It’s so easy to seize anything to humiliate sensitive, thoughtful, resourceful, intelligent, kind, hard working and broad-minded people. Being southern will do it! Don’t look any further than that, just nail the man down.
Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter were the kind of Christ followers so needed in this world. I think the teachings of Jesus gave him the solid foundation to carry him through years of struggles and criticism and to still act with love. Jimmy and Rosalyn are an inspiration to me.
Thank you for this special, touching tribute, Randy. As a young woman, I voted for Jimmy Carter for President and never had a moment’s regret. After the likes of Reagan (and the institutionalization of greed), I concluded that this country was not ready for a President like Jimmy Carter. He left no doubts that a man could be very smart, made of deep faith, navigate political relationships, and show great compassion, kindness, generosity, and courage. He fought for peace with his faith, not the DoD arsenal. We may not see the likes of him again until US citizens stop equating kindness with weakness and generosity of spirit and treasure with being a “sucker.” Right now, our world view and Trump’s, et.al. collide incompatibly. I’m grateful to be on the Carter–Tremba Team.