Tributes are pouring in for former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100. Faith leaders Across the country Carter’s are sharing ideas and insights about religious beliefs and ways to express 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 wedding vows I exchanged with Rosalyn.” Carter wrote in his book.
Jimmy Carter spent nearly 2 years in hospice care before his death at age 100.
“At our wedding, we could say, ‘I love you now, and I’m sure I’ll always love and be faithful to you.’ Instead, we both swore to God that ‘from this day to this day, for better, for worse, for richer or for poorer, for sickness and In healthLoving and nurturing, till death do us part.”
Carter also shared that their love and faith made it possible to overcome the differences and challenges they experienced.
Taught at Marantha Baptist Church
Carter taught Sunday school at his home church at Maranatha Baptist Church on the plains of Georgia.
He continued to teach periodically throughout his life and, in 2019, Carter spoke from the pulpit on the Day of Pentecost.
“Whenever we feel God in our hearts, He is the Holy Spirit.”
“After his crucifixion and resurrection, 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, He is the Holy Spirit.”
Former President Carter taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church. (Fox News)
He added, “And whenever we feel God in our hearts, He is 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 his resignation to the convention.
In media interviews, Carter referred to the church’s increasingly “hardline” views.
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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.
“We pray that we can avoid this divisive practice, and stick to the traditional beliefs that have held our ancestors and us together for generations in a spirit of unity and cooperation.”
That Continued as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.
‘We are honored’
Rev. Franklin GrahamCEO of both Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said others should pray for the entire Carter family.
In a statement shared with Fox News Digital on Sunday evening, Graham said, “He helped our country in the ’70s and ’80s. Served as the 39th president when we faced inflation and oil shortages, and the Iran hostage crisis.” Which he also posted on his Facebook page.
Former US presidents George HW Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter (far right) with evangelists Billy Graham and Franklin Graham before the dedication of the Billy Graham Library on the campus of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association on May 31, 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Posing. . (Reuters/Chris Kane)
“He and my father, Billy Grahamhad a deep connection, and we were honored to join him for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte in 2007,” added Graham.
‘Commitment to the Needy’
“Jimmy Carter grew up going to church and was baptized at age 11,” said Jesse Bradley, pastor of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington. “His parents were devout, but he later admitted that his relationship with God was superficial.”
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Bradley added, “In 1967 there was a renewal in his life, and he began to read his Bible regularly, and became a devoted follower of Jesus.”
“He began reading his Bible regularly, becoming a devoted follower of Jesus.”
He also said that the former president “lived his faith as a courageous and inspiring advocate of racial reconciliation. He was also passionate about taking practical action with a commitment to provide for those in need. Since 1984, the president And Mrs. Carter advocates for affordable housing for everyone through Habitat for Humanity.”
Former President Carter addresses the congregation at Maranatha Baptist Church before teaching Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia on April 28, 2019. Carter regularly taught Sunday school at the church after leaving the White House in 1981. (Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Bradley said, “Carter’s life reminds us to be intentional with unity. Build authentic friendships, as we genuinely enjoy and appreciate each other… Remember that Jesus Nothing is more important than knowing God as your Savior and loving your neighbor daily.”
‘First Publicly Light Hanukkah Menorah’
“Carter was the first American president to publicly shine the spotlight,” Florida-based Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, director of the American Faith Coalition, told Fox News Digital on Sunday evening. The Hanukkah MenorahInaugurating the National Menorah Ceremony in 1979.”
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At the time, Taylor added, “America was struggling with the Iran hostage crisis, yet Carter found inspiration in the Hanukkah message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the universal values of freedom and faith. Understanding the symbolism of the menorah— That even in the darkest moments, light and unity can prevail.”
He continued, “This act not only marked a milestone in religious pluralism – but also helped popularize public menorah lighting around the world.”
‘The Heart of a Servant’
Walker Wildmon, vice president of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Mississippi, and CEO of AFA Action, AFA’s government affairs arm, told Fox News Digital, “Throughout his life, President Jimmy Carter had a servant’s heart. The contributions in the field of humanitarian and disaster relief are numerous.
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“He also exemplified the importance of family throughout his life and career. We pray that God will comfort President Carter and his family during this time,” he added.