Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 29, 2024 / 17:33 pm
Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a lifelong Baptist who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday, held beliefs that did not always align with Catholic teachings on topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and the ordination of female pastors.
However, Carter’s life was marked by a consistent and unwavering expression of his Christian faith, both in words and actions, making him stand out among American presidents.
In his 2005 book “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis,” Carter wrote a chapter titled “My Traditional Christian Faith,” where he emphasized the shared beliefs among different Christian denominations. He stated, “most of the rudiments of my faith in Christ as Savior and the Son of God are still shared without serious question by Protestants, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Copts, Seventh-day Adventists, and many other religious people.”
Regarding his Baptist convictions, Carter highlighted the evangelical commitment to global mission and sharing the Christian faith with all people without discrimination. He actively lived out this commitment by publicly witnessing his faith, engaging in missions, and teaching Sunday school for nearly four decades at his local Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.
Faith and works
Moreover, Carter’s humanitarian efforts in building homes for the underprivileged as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer for almost 40 years reflected his deeply rooted faith in action.
The Faith of Jimmy Carter: A Unique Perspective
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, had a unique perspective on faith that was shaped by his experiences and interactions throughout his life. His sister, Ruth Carter Stapleton, an evangelist, played a significant role in strengthening his faith after his defeat in the 1966 Georgia governor election. Carter’s involvement in a Billy Graham evangelistic crusade further solidified his beliefs, and he later served as honorary chairman of Graham’s Atlanta crusade during his time as governor.
One of Carter’s notable achievements was being the first American president to welcome a pope to the White House. In 1979, during Pope John Paul II’s first papal trip to the United States, Carter and the pontiff bonded over their shared Christian faith. They chose to speak not as diplomats, but as brothers in Christ.
Despite his personal aversion to abortion, Carter supported legal abortion following the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, believing it should be available in cases of rape and incest. In a 1976 NBC News interview, he expressed his commitment to minimizing the need for abortions as president.
Jimmy Carter’s faith journey reflects a blend of personal beliefs, political decisions, and impactful relationships that shaped his unique perspective on spirituality and governance.
Abortion is a controversial topic that elicits strong opinions from people on both sides. Former President Carter has made his stance clear, expressing his belief that abortions are wrong. However, he also believes that we need a comprehensive effort from the president and Congress to address the issue. He suggests a nationwide law that would provide sex education and access to contraceptives for those who choose to use them, as well as improved adoptive procedures.
During his presidency in 1977, Carter signed the Hyde Amendment into law. This policy prohibits the use of federal tax dollars for abortions, except in cases where the mother’s life is in danger, or in instances of incest or rape. The Hyde Amendment has been credited with saving over 2.5 million unborn lives since its implementation, according to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
Despite his views on abortion, Carter has also shown support for same-sex marriage in recent years, further highlighting his progressive attitudes towards social issues.
