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.
