How Jimmy Carter Redefined Evangelicalism in Politics and Policy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, infused his presidency and post-presidency with deep faith and a commitment to human rights, equality, and peace. Known as a “progressive evangelical,” Carter used his beliefs to guide policy, challenge conventions, and redefine evangelicalism’s role in American politics.
Jimmy Carter’s Faith and Legacy: Quick Looks
- Faith in Politics: Carter used his Baptist beliefs to champion peace, human rights, and equality.
- Evangelical Outlier: He embraced progressive stances on race, women’s rights, and LGBTQ issues.
- Camp David Legacy: Carter’s faith played a role in brokering peace between Egypt and Israel.
- Post-Presidency Mission: From Habitat for Humanity to public health, Carter lived his Christian values.
- A Life Evolved: Carter’s views on issues like LGBTQ rights reflected his ongoing moral and spiritual growth.
How Jimmy Carter Redefined Evangelicalism in Politics and Policy
Deep Look
Jimmy Carter’s presidency and post-presidency were defined by his deep Baptist faith, which he wove into his political and personal life. Carter’s belief in service, peace, and human dignity distinguished him as a “progressive evangelical,” setting him apart from the increasingly conservative evangelical movement.
Faith as a Guiding Principle
As the 39th president, Carter’s policies were rooted in his Christian faith. He elevated human rights in U.S. foreign policy, championed environmental conservation, and avoided military conflict. At the Camp David Accords, Carter famously highlighted shared Abrahamic traditions to help broker peace between Egypt and Israel.
“We finally got an agreement because we all shared faith in the same God,” Carter reflected, emphasizing the spiritual common ground among himself, Anwar Sadat, and Menachem Begin.
Evangelicalism and Politics
Carter was one of the first U.S. presidents to identify as a “born-again Christian,” a term that startled national media and voters unfamiliar with evangelical vernacular in the 1970s. Yet, Carter’s brand of faith diverged from the politically conservative evangelical movement that would later dominate American politics.
“He carried his faith every minute of every day,” said Jill Stuckey, a longtime friend. Carter resisted using faith as a political tool, advocating for the separation of church and state and opposing public funding for religious schools.
A Progressive Evangelical
Carter’s faith led him to take progressive stances on issues like race relations, women’s rights, and eventually LGBTQ rights. As a Southern Baptist, he encountered resistance when he called for integrated worship during the Civil Rights Movement. Later, he left the Southern Baptist Convention over its policies subjugating women.
“There is one incontrovertible act concerning the relationship between Jesus Christ and women,” Carter wrote in his book Faith. “He treated them as equal to men.”
Faith in Action
Carter’s faith was not confined to rhetoric; it extended to action. His post-presidency work through The Carter Center focused on promoting peace, democracy, and public health worldwide. He also partnered with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for low-income families well into his 90s.
This approach earned admiration across the political spectrum. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted Carter’s ability to elevate faith beyond partisan divisions, calling it a “tremendous example” for Christians.
A Life of Evolving Beliefs
Carter’s spiritual journey began as a Southern Baptist, steeped in the traditions of the rural South. While he didn’t openly challenge segregationist views in his youth, exposure to Black evangelical traditions and his missionary work reshaped his understanding of Christianity’s role in addressing injustice.
Later in life, Carter applied this evolving faith to global interactions. He pressed Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping to allow freedom of worship and asked Poland’s Edward Gierek to consider accepting Christianity, reflecting his commitment to spreading his faith in a diplomatic context.
Legacy of Love and Compassion
Carter’s commitment to faith-driven leadership was rooted in a simple yet profound question: “What would Jesus do?” The Rev. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., said Carter wrestled with this idea as a leader, emphasizing love-centered decision-making.
From championing human rights to redefining evangelicalism’s role in politics, Carter’s legacy exemplifies how faith can guide meaningful change.
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