Former U.S. President and Baptist Sunday School Teacher Jimmy Carter Dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a long-time member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., passed away at the age of 100. Known for his open expression of faith, Carter was a third-generation Southern Baptist and the first U.S. president to identify as a “born again” Christian. His life spanned a century of American history, marked by both public service and personal devotion.

Carter’s political career was shaped by his deep ties to his faith and community. He served as a community leader in Plains before entering state politics, eventually becoming governor of Georgia in 1970. His presidency, which began in 1976, was defined by significant domestic and international achievements. Among these was the creation of the Department of Education and the Department of Energy, as well as his pivotal role in negotiating the Camp David Accords. This historic agreement led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, ending decades of conflict.

Despite his Christian convictions, Carter’s 1980 Democratic presidential bid did not align with the priorities of many evangelicals. His stance on issues such as abortion and foreign policy, particularly his approach to communism, led to a shift in evangelical political support. This period marked the rise of the Religious Right, as many evangelicals began to align more closely with Republican candidates. Carter’s experience highlighted the complex relationship between faith and politics in American society.

In his later years, Carter remained active in humanitarian efforts. He co-founded Habitat for Humanity, an organization dedicated to providing housing for the impoverished, and was recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His life reflected a commitment to service, both in public office and through personal ministry.

Carter’s early life was rooted in rural Georgia, where he was born in 1924 to a farmer and a registered nurse. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and married Rosalynn the same year. After serving in the Navy, he returned to Plains, where he became a prominent community figure. His involvement in local church life was central to his identity, as he described it as “a part of my life like breathing — like being a Georgian or being a human being.”

Carter’s faith was a constant throughout his life, influencing both his personal and public decisions. He shared insights about his spiritual journey in interviews with the SBC Historical Commission and the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives. His reflections on the role of church in everyday life underscored the importance of community and faith in shaping individual and collective values.

Carter’s legacy extends beyond his political and religious contributions. His life serves as a testament to the enduring impact of faith, service, and dedication to the well-being of others. As he once described, the church was not just a place of worship but a vital part of life’s fabric. Micah 6:8 reminds us that justice, mercy, and humility are foundational to living a life that honors God and serves others.

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