Faith: A Journey For All

by Jimmy Carter

In this powerful reflection, President Jimmy Carter contemplates how faith has sustained him in happiness and disappointment. He 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.”

As President Carter examines faith’s many meanings, he describes how to accept it, live it, how to doubt and find faith again. A serious and moving reflection from one of America’s most admired and respected citizens.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Memoir, Biography, Christian, Audiobook, Faith

5 pages, Audiobook

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

Librarian’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 figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...

Reviews

[Jeffrey Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Christina Mayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kathryn Bashaar · Rating 2 out of 5]

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....

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Donald Owens II · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Nancy Mulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

My new motto is “What would Jimmy do?”

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't what I was expecting... The first half of the book felt very politician speak for "Faith means whatever it means to you," but the second half really got into Carter's personal faith and love for Jesus and country. I left with a new appreciation and respect for Carter and his legacy.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kate Laws · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ray Timmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Katie Schroder · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Jimmy Carter died, I saw so many people hype him up and I wanted to learn more. His heart, open-mindedness and humility shined in this book. Glad this book exists. HOWEVER, I was unfortunately really bored and it was hard to stay engaged.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief reflection of how Carter’s Baptist faith has informed and infused his life during periods of confusion, joy and disappointments.

[Meg Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so good, perhaps even healthy, to read the reflections of a national leader who thinks deeply, lives humbly, and believes in kindness toward the stranger.

How could 2025 be different under such a president?

[Casey]

DNF it wasn't what I was expecting. I will try a more traditional memoir by President Carter.

[Ray LaManna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cathryn Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would think, as did I, that the title of this book by President Jimmy Carter fully describes the subject matter. But it doesn't even come close.

Yes, this is a book about faith with religious and biblical discussions that feel like the topics of a good Sunday School class. And that's not surprising, since Jimmy Carter taught Sunday School classes throughout his adult life. But it's so much more. This is also a memoir about Carter's remarkable life, as well as multiple discussions about politics and science and sometimes the intersection of both with religion. It is also at its core a deeply personal reflection about Carter's faith, complete with honest revelations.

This is a short book at just 192 pages, which includes a general index and an index of scripture; it is divided into six chapters about faith—from the meanings of faith to acquiring faith and from demonstrating our faith to handling the challenges of faith. Quotes from the Bible and highly-respected Protestant theologians are sprinkled throughout.

I thought the best part of the book was the fourth chapter, titled "Demonstrating Our Faith," in which Carter profiles people in his life who were highly influential—not necessarily because of their belief in God but rather because of the works they did on this Earth that made a difference. He begins the discussion by noting that there is another kind of faith: having a firm belief in yourself and other people to achieve an impossible dream. Those who dreamt such dreams and made them real were Millard and Linda Fuller, who founded Habitat for Humanity; Jerome and Joann Ethredge, who served as missionaries in Togo in West Africa and dug wells and built bridges in addition to saving souls; Bill Foege, who addressed neglected tropical diseases that were killing so many; and several other unlikely candidates, including his family's maid, his mother, and Admiral Hyman Rickover.

Bonus: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married for 77 years, and he includes his wise and touching advice on marriage.

Most of all, this book on faith is just good old-fashioned Southern storytelling. Grab a sweet tea and pull up a rocking chair.

[Aaron West · Rating 3 out of 5]

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..."

[Ciara Wilkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Adam Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

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/

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I believe now more than ever that Christians are called to plunge into the life of the world and to inject the moral and ethical values of our faith into the processes of government. At the same time, there must be an absolute prohibition against granting any control by government over our religious freedoms.” -Jimmy Carter

I was surprised to learn of the depths of President Carter’s commitment to Jesus Christ. In this book, he describes his personal relationship with God, evangelistic endeavors before/during/after his presidency, and how his faith influenced his actions and positions through the years. I was interested to learn that after his presidency, President Carter taught a Bible study at his local Baptist church for many years.

While a few of the topics and stories felt a bit shoehorned into this book and only tenuously related to its topic, they nonetheless provided insight into President Carter as a man, leader, and Christian.

Overall, this was a quick read about an interesting topic that I had much to learn about.

[Courtney Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I came into this book knowing very little about President Carter and with the assumption that I wouldn’t have that much in common with a 90+ (now deceased) Baptist white man from the South. I also assumed that all presidents were basically crazy and power hungry.

Wow, I couldn’t have been more wrong, and the entire book was basically a wonderful, disorganized, inspiring articulation of how to be a good person, Christian, citizen and leader. The faith part was rock steady and open-minded. The warnings about the threats to our country today were completely accurate. I’m so worried about the same things he was worried about but I also believe —as he does— that the overall arc of humanity is growing more compassionate and more organized and closer to God—and I hope that we can look back on these blips in the road as temporary setbacks along God’s overall plan for humans to improve and look out for each other more.

[Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Karna Converse · Rating 3 out of 5]

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."

[Daniel Winnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a Christian reader will perhaps get more out of—and be more meaningfully challenged—by this book, it was meaningful to this non-believer all the same. Fittingly for someone for whom faith has been a central aspect of his public and private life, Carter explores faith from various angles, including some secular ones. (Faith not in God, necessarily, but in our parents, our societies, our bedrock values, and in ourselves.)

It is a bit of a hodgepodge, too—thus, the middling “rating.” But as one of the last written testaments of an undoubtedly good—and thoughtful—man, it is worth the read.

[David Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy Carter is one of my favorite presidents. I think he’s underrated. He did have a lot of challenges that came his way when he was president, but he did I believe the best job he could, and after his service at president that work, he did to promote love and peace and dignity for everybody is something that we owe him a debt of gratitude for and that can’t be forgotten. This book is about faith and he epitomizes everything a Christian should be unlike our politicians here in Utah! RIP, Mr. President

[KarenO · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jaime Seward · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is somewhat of a combination of Jimmy Carter’s biography, his personal faith experience, and his thoughts on politics and religion. It’s a bit all over the place, but there is no doubt that this wise, faithful human being lived a life for Jesus. Lots of little nuggets of wisdom in this one.