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Faith: A Journey For All
In this powerful and personal New York Times bestseller, President Jimmy Carter contemplates how faith has sustained him in happiness and disappointment and considers how we may find it in our own lives.
All his life, President Jimmy Carter has been a courageous exemplar of faith. Now he shares the lessons he learned. He writes, “The issue of faith arises in almost every area of human existence, so it is important to understand its multiple meanings. In this book, my primary goal is to explore the broader meaning of faith, its far-reaching effect on our lives, and its relationship to past, present, and future events in America and around the world. The religious aspects of faith are also covered, since this is how the word is most often used, and I have included a description of the ways my faith has guided and sustained me, as well as how it has challenged and driven me to seek a closer and better relationship with people and with God.”
Quoting eminent Protestant theologians, in Faith President Carter describes his belief in religious freedom, moral politics, and the place of prayer in his daily life. He examines faith’s many meanings, he describes how to accept it, live it, how to doubt and find faith again. This is a serious and moving reflection from one of America’s most admired and respected citizens.
All his life, President Jimmy Carter has been a courageous exemplar of faith. Now he shares the lessons he learned. He writes, “The issue of faith arises in almost every area of human existence, so it is important to understand its multiple meanings. In this book, my primary goal is to explore the broader meaning of faith, its far-reaching effect on our lives, and its relationship to past, present, and future events in America and around the world. The religious aspects of faith are also covered, since this is how the word is most often used, and I have included a description of the ways my faith has guided and sustained me, as well as how it has challenged and driven me to seek a closer and better relationship with people and with God.”
Quoting eminent Protestant theologians, in Faith President Carter describes his belief in religious freedom, moral politics, and the place of prayer in his daily life. He examines faith’s many meanings, he describes how to accept it, live it, how to doubt and find faith again. This is a serious and moving reflection from one of America’s most admired and respected citizens.
5 pages, Audiobook
First published March 27, 2018
About the author
Jimmy Carter
244 books515 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.
Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.
He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.
Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.
Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.
Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figures in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalizes on the Palestinian conflict.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...
James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.
Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.
He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.
Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.
Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.
Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figures in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalizes on the Palestinian conflict.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
April 2, 2018
Ultimately I liked this audible book read by President Carter himself. Say what you will about his presidency but I've always thought he was such a good, honorable person that I was intrigued by his thoughts on the broader sense of faith in life and not just in a religious context. Hearing him read his own words was comforting somehow. And even though I felt that the book was a bit rambling at times, overall I enjoyed his thoughts on faith, both religious and in general.
April 18, 2018
I call President Carter that last great statesman of our time, a man of humility, deep faith, and a steadfast commitment to serving humanity and making the world a better place. We could all learn so much from him and improve life for all by following his model. Thank you, President Carter.
April 3, 2018
This is a quick read that is worth the time if you want to think about the balance between faith, work, politics and everyday life.
I have been reading about presidents starting with Richard Nixon and studied the Carter administration during and after his term in office. Writing more than 35 years after he left office this will give you look at what shaped him, his accomplishments and his failures. All were shaped by and a part of his ongoing faith development.
While I don't agree with everything he says it is a voice of reason in what I have come to think of as an unreasonable world.
This is worth the time to read and reflect on.
I have been reading about presidents starting with Richard Nixon and studied the Carter administration during and after his term in office. Writing more than 35 years after he left office this will give you look at what shaped him, his accomplishments and his failures. All were shaped by and a part of his ongoing faith development.
While I don't agree with everything he says it is a voice of reason in what I have come to think of as an unreasonable world.
This is worth the time to read and reflect on.
June 9, 2018
God bless Jimmy Carter. He is a great American. But his book was disappointing. The chapters don't really follow the theme of the chapter name or even have much of a structure. Each chapter is a meandering mishmash of memoir and shibboleths. There were a few gems, but mostly I felt like I wasted my time reading this.
Like my reviews? Check out my blog at http://www.kathrynbashaar.com/blog/
Author of The Saint's Mistress: https://www.bing.com/search?q=amazon....
Like my reviews? Check out my blog at http://www.kathrynbashaar.com/blog/
Author of The Saint's Mistress: https://www.bing.com/search?q=amazon....
February 23, 2021
I highly recommend listening to President Carter read this spiritual autobiography in his own words. He elucidates the meaning of faith in his own life and extrapolates it to a larger context, demonstrating how faith is not necessarily religious, but can encompass faith in individuals, communities, institutions, science, and the larger world. Told with candor and humility, as he freely admits where his understanding falls short, it is a remarkable look at how he has made faith-based decisions in his life and work. It is especially remarkable in light of his 2015 cancer diagnosis and subsequent remission. This is a life lived in response to a calling - to "deeper religious values, such as humility, atonement, forgiveness, compassion, and love, that transcend what a government can achieve" (148). Like his Savior, President Carter espouses "humility, servanthood of leaders, and breaking down walls between people" (44).
What a role model, an example of true Christian faith, and a servant-leader. Even for those who don't share his personal faith, there is much to be gleaned, absorbed from, and admired in this short testimony.
What a role model, an example of true Christian faith, and a servant-leader. Even for those who don't share his personal faith, there is much to be gleaned, absorbed from, and admired in this short testimony.
April 25, 2018
PC and waffling, this book adds nothing to the political or theological conversation.
By "faith", he apparently means conviction about something, whether it's really true or not. "To me God is the existence of all that is good and my belief in God induces a pleasant feeling of responsibility to act accordingly. To believe in God is to desire his existence and what is more to act as though he existed.”
He quotes the Bible a lot, but it is not his authority. It doesn't determine his politics, but vice versa. Regarding reading the Bible, he says: “When there are apparent discrepancies I decide what to believe respecting the equal status and rights of all people.”
And that about sums it up.
By "faith", he apparently means conviction about something, whether it's really true or not. "To me God is the existence of all that is good and my belief in God induces a pleasant feeling of responsibility to act accordingly. To believe in God is to desire his existence and what is more to act as though he existed.”
He quotes the Bible a lot, but it is not his authority. It doesn't determine his politics, but vice versa. Regarding reading the Bible, he says: “When there are apparent discrepancies I decide what to believe respecting the equal status and rights of all people.”
And that about sums it up.
July 30, 2018
President Carter is a national treasure. Typical of many of his books, he addresses here how his personal faith has informed and sustained him throughout his life. The country was facing a lot of really hard choices in the ‘70s in the economy and energy and foreign policy. Carter didn’t hesitate to make those hard choices, and he did so at great political cost to himself in many cases. How do you measure the success of a presidency? Of Carter it has been said: He told the truth, obeyed the law, kept the peace, and advanced the cause of human rights. A success, in deed then and in the decades that followed.
October 15, 2018
Carter's newest book is remarkable for so many reasons, including the fact that he packs an enormous amount of thought into a relatively short space. Oh, to be back in the day of such a thoughtful, caring leader, whose understanding of the world is based on wide reading, a degree in nuclear physics, and life experiences among the working poor. This is going to be used in a discussion group, and it should lead to a great conversation.
October 9, 2018
My new motto is “What would Jimmy do?”
April 30, 2023
Jimmy Carter is a dear, generous, humble, thoughtful man and he's been on my mind since learning that he was entering hospice care, so I decided to pick up his book entitled Faith. I am a lifelong atheist and the idea of faith is something I've always been deeply uncomfortable with. Kurt Vonnegut, who is my favorite author and humanist, said, "Say what you will about the sweet miracle of unquestioning faith, I consider a capacity for it terrifying and absolutely vile.” and that resonates with me deeply and I agree with it strongly. But Jimmy Carter's faith isn't unquestioning. Far from it in fact, president Carter's faith is consumed with questions. Questions about how best to live his faith, and whenever he has questioned he has turned toward love, grace, and generosity. And it shows in all of his works. This book definitely expresses Carter's deep personal faith in Jesus and Christianity, but it also holds the church accountable for its failings and shortcomings, and I can't express my gratitude and amazement that a man who describes himself as an evangelical isn't afraid to say things like,"... it surprised my religion and theology students at Emory University when I said that most church members are more self-satisfied, more committed to the status quo, and more excluding of dissimilar people than are the political officeholders I have known." He also talks about secular faith, in one another, and in our institutions. He expresses dismay and sharp disapproval with some of the divisive actions taken by leaders in the name of country and religion, talks about breaking faith and the consequences of that. He reminds me of my wonderful grandpa Bob in the very best way and I have nothing but love and respect for him. I am thankful for his tempering influence during a fraught time and I'm glad I read this book.
March 20, 2023
Former President Carter is a man whose actions over the years strongly support his claim of faith in God.
This brief work explains how President Carter tried to consistently live his faith while serving in many roles of government and beyond. His suggestions of what could still work for the United States today reflect both political and spiritual wisdom forged on the anvil of decades of experience.
The voice of Jimmy Carter will not be with us much longer, but his words of advice will long remain. We would all do well to listen to that voice while we still can.
This brief work explains how President Carter tried to consistently live his faith while serving in many roles of government and beyond. His suggestions of what could still work for the United States today reflect both political and spiritual wisdom forged on the anvil of decades of experience.
The voice of Jimmy Carter will not be with us much longer, but his words of advice will long remain. We would all do well to listen to that voice while we still can.
February 28, 2024
A brief reflection of how Carter’s Baptist faith has informed and infused his life during periods of confusion, joy and disappointments.
March 7, 2019
I have begun the Lenten season with Pres. Carter's latest book, this a very Christian exposition of what faith means in his life. He writes very clearly about the power of faith, not just in his own life but in the life of the US and of the world.
He does tend to jump around a bit...but overall this is a book to make people stop and think. And it's not only for Christians-anyone can benefit from his insights.
He does tend to jump around a bit...but overall this is a book to make people stop and think. And it's not only for Christians-anyone can benefit from his insights.
October 15, 2020
Though this book should have been finished mere days after my beginning it, a lot has occurred over the last few months, and, as 2020 will be, things have been hectic and distracting, to say the least.
Jimmy Carter has been somewhat of an anomaly to me; growing up I hardly realized he was still living, and even to this day can forget that he's still out there doing good behind the scenes. He's taken on a grandfatherly, respected role in my estimation now, and it seems that much of the nation feels similarly. I respect his ability to reacclimate to civilian-esque life out of the limelight since his leaving office.
In the pages of this book you'll find his brief thoughts on the complex word (and really, idea), faith. It is more than a noun, it is a verb, so President Carter says. From Niebuhr to Moltmann, Carter lays out a blueprint for those theologians whom have shaped his faith, and a roadmap of sorts to what faith looks like in his life, and what he believes it should be in the United States of America--and the world.
I was somewhat surprised to see him rather casually refer to beliefs seen as progressive hills to die on within the church--his belief in evolution, women's equality, LGBTQ rights, and so on were alluded to as non-issues in a way that took me aback and impressed me at the same time. Otherwise, however, I didn't find much in the book challenging. It was a neat trip through the sentiments of a good and honorable man, but nothing profoundly moved me--at least nothing more in the book than the life and idealism of a man who strikes me now as wholesome.
Carter's ideas on policy and how they should be shaped by faith values was interesting. With that, I leave you this quote: "Our government should be known, without question, as opposed to war, dedicated to the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, and, whenever possible, eager to exert our tremendous capability and influence to accomplish this goal. We should be seen as the unswerving champion of freedom and human rights, both among our own citizens and within the global community..."
Jimmy Carter has been somewhat of an anomaly to me; growing up I hardly realized he was still living, and even to this day can forget that he's still out there doing good behind the scenes. He's taken on a grandfatherly, respected role in my estimation now, and it seems that much of the nation feels similarly. I respect his ability to reacclimate to civilian-esque life out of the limelight since his leaving office.
In the pages of this book you'll find his brief thoughts on the complex word (and really, idea), faith. It is more than a noun, it is a verb, so President Carter says. From Niebuhr to Moltmann, Carter lays out a blueprint for those theologians whom have shaped his faith, and a roadmap of sorts to what faith looks like in his life, and what he believes it should be in the United States of America--and the world.
I was somewhat surprised to see him rather casually refer to beliefs seen as progressive hills to die on within the church--his belief in evolution, women's equality, LGBTQ rights, and so on were alluded to as non-issues in a way that took me aback and impressed me at the same time. Otherwise, however, I didn't find much in the book challenging. It was a neat trip through the sentiments of a good and honorable man, but nothing profoundly moved me--at least nothing more in the book than the life and idealism of a man who strikes me now as wholesome.
Carter's ideas on policy and how they should be shaped by faith values was interesting. With that, I leave you this quote: "Our government should be known, without question, as opposed to war, dedicated to the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, and, whenever possible, eager to exert our tremendous capability and influence to accomplish this goal. We should be seen as the unswerving champion of freedom and human rights, both among our own citizens and within the global community..."
June 5, 2018
I had never read a book by Jimmy Carter before though I'm very interested to read his book Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis after reading this book.
This novel is called Faith: A Journey For All and in the book Carter discusses his own walk as a Christian. He has lived a long life and has been serving the Lord since he was a young boy.
I think he truly understands the Bible and has shown great love to others. His story about refusing to join the White Council, a group against Black rights, was great and very brave in those times. Carter has always stood up for what he believes in, and admits his faults humbly.
I very much admire him as a person and his faith. I also admire his intelligence and the fact that he is not afraid of science and technology. I also didn't realize that there were two sects of Baptists, the Southern Baptists are the ones against women preaching and more old school, and the other sect he is a part of which is much more open.
I will say the end of the book does get very political, which he was a president so that's understandable. He not only discusses his own political and military career but the U.S.'s history since he's been alive. His talks about religion and politics lines up with my own beliefs so I found it great to read but others may not.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I am glad I read it as I had always been curious about Carter and his faith.
This novel is called Faith: A Journey For All and in the book Carter discusses his own walk as a Christian. He has lived a long life and has been serving the Lord since he was a young boy.
I think he truly understands the Bible and has shown great love to others. His story about refusing to join the White Council, a group against Black rights, was great and very brave in those times. Carter has always stood up for what he believes in, and admits his faults humbly.
I very much admire him as a person and his faith. I also admire his intelligence and the fact that he is not afraid of science and technology. I also didn't realize that there were two sects of Baptists, the Southern Baptists are the ones against women preaching and more old school, and the other sect he is a part of which is much more open.
I will say the end of the book does get very political, which he was a president so that's understandable. He not only discusses his own political and military career but the U.S.'s history since he's been alive. His talks about religion and politics lines up with my own beliefs so I found it great to read but others may not.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I am glad I read it as I had always been curious about Carter and his faith.
March 22, 2019
Short Thoughts: I picked up Faith for two reasons, first I picked up President Carter: The White House Years when it was on sale a few weeks ago and I wanted to read another short book by Carter before I started a fairly long and detailed history of his presidency. I also picked up Faith as an audiobook because he won a Grammy for the book, his third win and fourth nomination.
As much as I like Carter, and appreciate what he was trying to do here, this was not his best book. A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety I think was a much better and more balanced book. Faith is trying to do too many things, and too often repeats what he already said in previous books. It is not that there are not interesting parts, but Carter spends too much time in areas where I think he is not at his best. I like Cater’s stories and his recounting of what he is passionate about. It is not that he is not passionate about his faith, but his social action, not his theology is where I most want to hear from him.
I am not terribly disappointed that I listened to it, but I also cannot really recommend it, especially if you have read any of Carter’s previous books. If you have not read Carter previously, this is probably better than I thought it was. I still think I would recommend A Full Life as a better book.
My slightly longer thoughts are on my blog at http://bookwi.se/faith/
As much as I like Carter, and appreciate what he was trying to do here, this was not his best book. A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety I think was a much better and more balanced book. Faith is trying to do too many things, and too often repeats what he already said in previous books. It is not that there are not interesting parts, but Carter spends too much time in areas where I think he is not at his best. I like Cater’s stories and his recounting of what he is passionate about. It is not that he is not passionate about his faith, but his social action, not his theology is where I most want to hear from him.
I am not terribly disappointed that I listened to it, but I also cannot really recommend it, especially if you have read any of Carter’s previous books. If you have not read Carter previously, this is probably better than I thought it was. I still think I would recommend A Full Life as a better book.
My slightly longer thoughts are on my blog at http://bookwi.se/faith/
September 24, 2018
Jimmy Carter is such an inspiration and the most underrated US president. As he writes, "faith is not just a noun but also a verb," and he truly exemplifies that philosophy, always living his faith and demonstrating his commitment to his values through action. I read this book while waiting outside of President Carter's church in Plains, Georgia to attend the Sunday school class he teaches (I had to show up at 4am to get in, and the book is quite short, so I was able to read most of it during that wait). This book does a good job capturing the genuine spirit of Carter's faith and how it influences his work, as well as his views on faith more broadly and its role in our world.
November 7, 2023
A tribute to all that has influenced his faith—family, friends, theologians, and specific passages in the Bible—while also acknowledging times of doubt and discouragement
The book is heartfelt and easy to read but the last chapter—Challenges to Faith—treads more into the political and his stances on social issues and America's role as a super-power. At the end Carter sums up the book's basic tenet: ". . . and though the book is about faith, it is not the most important commitment or consideration in our human existence or in our relationship with God or with other people. That is love."
The book is heartfelt and easy to read but the last chapter—Challenges to Faith—treads more into the political and his stances on social issues and America's role as a super-power. At the end Carter sums up the book's basic tenet: ". . . and though the book is about faith, it is not the most important commitment or consideration in our human existence or in our relationship with God or with other people. That is love."
July 2, 2018
President Carter is one of the greatest statesman of our time, a man of humility, faith, and commitment to higher values than politics. I became involved nearly 30 years ago with Habitat for Humanity due to his example.
Some will argue his effectiveness as President. However, I believe history will be kind to him. His work and writing post presidency defines the man and this book is as good as any that describes the man and his thinking. Although much of this book has been written and said before by Pres. Carter it is a valuable and easy read. I was particularly impressed by his reference to some of the great theologians and religious thinkers of the 20th century, Neibuhr, Bonhoeffer, Tillich.
Oh that we had more leaders like him.
Some will argue his effectiveness as President. However, I believe history will be kind to him. His work and writing post presidency defines the man and this book is as good as any that describes the man and his thinking. Although much of this book has been written and said before by Pres. Carter it is a valuable and easy read. I was particularly impressed by his reference to some of the great theologians and religious thinkers of the 20th century, Neibuhr, Bonhoeffer, Tillich.
Oh that we had more leaders like him.
June 28, 2019
The insight I gleaned from this book was that Faith is based on relationship. Faith is not what we have but what we do. That idea alone was well worth the read. The book was great when Mr Carter wrote about spirituality but I felt as if some of it was about justifying his Baptist faith versus Catholicism and a large part of it was extolling his actions during and after his Presidency--which are laudable but it sort of smacked of self aggrandizement at times.
May 21, 2020
Excellent book by a wonderful man. Kept thinking, this is what we need in a leader. This is such a humble man before God. The book is full of inspiring thoughts mixed with real life experiences and wonderfully appropriate quotes.
September 22, 2021
Equal parts biography, political treatise and spiritual testimony, President Carter shares his unique viewpoint on faith in day-to-day life. I especially enjoyed the section where he listed off the scholars he studied during the formation of his beliefs up through current day. His expression of his faith through loving service of those in need is inspiring.
December 28, 2023
Fast read.
President Carter emphasizes throughout this book the criticality of separation of government and religion. He is a Christian, veteran, farmer, politician and most importantly, lover of other human beings… and I’m now in love with him.
President Carter emphasizes throughout this book the criticality of separation of government and religion. He is a Christian, veteran, farmer, politician and most importantly, lover of other human beings… and I’m now in love with him.
September 20, 2018
My respect for this man continually grows.
August 26, 2019
There was really no rhyme or reason to this. Lots of quoting scripture but it didn't really tie into anything.
December 31, 2018
As a person struggling with my faith, I greatly enjoyed this and gained new insights in my struggle. A quick and good read.
April 11, 2022
A short book, rich in reflection and honesty about faith and it’s intersection with Carter’s personal and public life.
November 13, 2022
A story not only of the faith of a man, but of the faith of a President. Mr. Carter tells of his life, his family, and of the challenges of being the President of the United States.
October 30, 2022
I found the most interesting bit to be at the end, discussing how he dealt with segregationist sentiment in his hometown. I read to have a better sense of Jimmy Carter, and that was achieved.
May 23, 2018
A reflective read - President Carter reflects on his journey through life and then it is the reader’s turn to reflect on President Carter’s message on faith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews