Basic Information : Synopsis : Expectations : Thoughts : Evaluation : Book Group : Book References : Good Quotes : Table of Contents : References
Basic Information:
Author: Jimmy Carter
Edition: Paperback
Publisher: Broadway Books
ISBN: 9780812930344 (ISBN10: 0812930347)
Start Date: December 3, 2024 - Second time reading the book
Read Date: December 12, 2024
288 pages
Genre: History, Autobiography, Christianity, Book Group
Language Warning: None
Rated Overall: 3½ out of 5
History: 3 out of 5
Religion: Christianity
Religious Quality: 4 out of 5
Christianity-Teaching Quality: 4 out of 5
Synopsis:
Jimmy Carter was President of the United States. But before that he had been an officer on board a submarine, involved with peanuts, a state senator, Georgia’s governor, and a child in Plains, Georgia.
This book started out as being 52 Sunday School lessons Carter taught. But he saw that it would have more value to go through the values he had gained in his life-through 1996. He takes us through the need for justice, being a partner with your family, leadership, peace, where are your roots, faith, reaching out, and of course, what it means to be a Christian
Date Became Aware of Book: 2000ish
Why do I want to read this book: Book Group. Also Jimmy Carter is nearing the end of his life.
What do I think I will get out of it? Insight on what made Carter a man of God
Thoughts:
All through the book, Carter foreshadows where we are today. Both liberals the conservatives want to use the government to weed out thinking which is different from their own. Also he talks about the widening divide in America.
PREFACE
Talks about how this book has generated more response than any of his other books. Written right before Y2K, about 25 years ago. He talks about the hysteria which will be coming about, including religion, particularly concerning the end of the world.
The purpose of this book is to explain in understandable terms how Carter’s life has been affected by Jesus’ words and actions. Also about how he tried to live up to these, sometimes falling short, sometimes coming close.
INTRODUCTION
This was the start of the original book. He notes that he wants to tell about the values and experience that have shaped my life and how the religious beliefs I inherited have been transformed into living faith. He has been reluctant to write about this, because of feeling this is a private matter. How so? Everybody knew in 1976 that he was a born-again Christian and he made no bones about telling the world that.
Carter says that faith has two interrelated meanings. 1) fidelity with God and 2) action based upon this belief.
Since being in the Navy, he has conducted Bible Studies and been involved in fellowships. There have been two extra-church groups he has been part of: Koinonia Partners founded by Dr Clarence Jordan and Habitat for Humanity. Through this writing, he continued to have Bible Studies. His was to go over scriptures and have a give and take about the passage.
What is living faith? He does not say living the faith, but the name indicates a faith which has life.
He talks about his family and upbringing. Strict Dad and adventuresome Mom. But they were also fair and did not care too much about race. They were a foundation to the community, who helped those in need. Upbringing was close to the earth.
Carter asks, Where do we turn now when there is a moral question? Can we take our guidance like how things were in earlier times? He understands the need for a permanent foundation. I wonder if he wrote this today, if we would have also included the need for a common understanding of what our morality should be? He does understand that our values are not constant. There is fragmentation in the religious community.
THE SEARCH FOR FAITH
Carter talks about the evolution of his faith. More or less a straight-line from a religious Christian family to personal faith. He does talk about how the family’s faith was firm, but not talked about greatly at home. His father was a deacon as well as lead Sunday School.
Carter’s question: What does it mean when I say that I “decided to accept Christ?” To Carter it means not only believing the tenants of the faith, but entering into a personal relationship with Christ. This is not a life of perfection, but of striving, stretching and searching.
Being in the military, his faith was somewhat dormant. It included church going, when he could. Moving back home after his father’s death, it awakened his dedication. He studied Bonhoeffer, Barth, Buber, Tillich, Kung and Niehbur to get a better understanding. Tillich impressed him with some of his themes. One of his themes is that doubt is an acceptable, even necessary aspect of faith--that faith implies a continuing search, not necessarily a final answer. See Mark 9:17-27.
Carter said it is a mistake not to face our doubts courageously. Interesting choice of words. Facing doubts is one thing. The courageously part says to me that you will stand up to the doubts with what you know is true and seek wisdom about things you are concerned about. Not that you give in to the doubts, but explore them and understand them so you know better.
Kierkegaard: Faith means the betteing of one’s life upon the God in Jesus Christ…the giving or commitment of one’s whole life. Carter notes that the word faith is used only twice in the Old Testament and 245 times in the New.
He also read sceptics like Jay Gould. Carter feels that scientific knowledge enhances belief in God as we discover new things. He thinks that the discoveries do not contradict his belief in God, but simply confirm his awe and reverence in Him.
On the other hand some Christian leaders, particularly in his own denomination such as Jerry Falwell, doubted Carter’s Christianity. Carter talks about the growing split in how Christians practice their faith. I wonder what he thinks about how Christianity has gone in America during the past ten years.
A ROOTED LIFE
Talks about his relationship with Rosalynn. This includes early in their relationship being more lord than partner. Combination of upbringing and being aboard a sub with all males.
His father was into secret charitable giving to those in need. Also very much part of the social and political fabric of his community.
Carter upon the death of his father wondered whose life was more important in God’s eyes: His being a navy officer on a submarine or his father in a small town? He considered leaving the Navy without involving Rosalynn. He decided to return to Plains with an upset wife. While this was a good decision, it was not made with his partner’s cooperation.
In my life, there has been a series of codes and conduct by which my activities could be both shaped and judged. He then spells them out. Most of his morals were in line with what he found in his service both in the Navy and as a politician. We all must choose the “guiding lights” that we want to follow. It’s easy to set our sights lower. … Truth, justice, and loyalty are virtues common to these spheres [commercial and professional] and to politics, but rarely are included the additional principles of kindness, humility, compassion, forgiveness, mercy or sacrificial love.
There are many unenforceable standards in our private lives, with only self-imposed incentives to comply with them.
How do we act is what he is getting at? Do we act according to our morals? Or just to our benefit? Do we have a high standard for our lives? And do we compromise them?
Most of the beautiful acts of Jesus as recounted in the Gospels do not relate to compliance with existing laws; they were extraordinary because he reached beyond what was required or expected.
Talks about race relationships. How his family was in the South and pretty much accepted the racial customs. But his mother did not let that stop her from relating to them.
Also talked about tobacco.
Talks about learning and how it is life long. He lectures on campuses and some of the students think they now have all the learning which they need.
FINDING PEACE AT HOME
Recognizing Rosalynn as an equal partner in their marriage.
On returning to Plains, they lived in public housing. Then they were up against the White Citizens Council. Apparently this is a statewide at least, if not region wide organization. While not as extreme as the KKK, they liked the racial status quo. There was pressure to join as almost all white men in Plains were part of this group and they expected Carter to join. The result was economic loss from not joining. They weathered this storm as many other men respected Carter’s stand and were also upset themselves about the pressure they received.
Carter was selected for the school board which needed to implement integration after the 1954 Supreme Court decision of Brown vs Board of Education.
Apparently false information is not new as when the Carters went on vacation, it was reported they had gone to a Communist training ground in Alabama by the John Birch Society.
Talks about the social advantage-interesting term-of those who reside in one place long enough to form bonds with the community.
In terms of racial integration, Carter says that in some things, we just got to be patient. But what does this patience mean? How long does a person tolerate injustice? How long does a victim need to wait for righteousness to prevail?
Rosalynn and Carter quarrelled, but they kept together, mostly because of their religion. Example when writing a book together, they came at things from two different perspectives. Many times they were not able to resolve the differences-it was resolved through a wise editor. Another item was his instance on timeliness. A gift to her was not to comment on tardiness. There is give and take in a marriage.
What is a marriage? He says that it is the little things which can destroy or make a marriage which you work through each day.. The ability to communicate is more important. Carter notes that If they can talk about their views with honesty and mutual respect--a big if--many problems can be avoided. They also talk about how the marriage pledge is irrevocable. One of the things which kept them on the same page was to share a section of the Bible together. He says that there is an element of self-discipline about this ritual that is beneficial.
Christians have … gone through a marriage pledge with Jesus, and it is a form of adultery to violate this pledge by putting anything above the relationship with him.
He talks about treating his children the same way his father treated him. And then having to evaluate if this was healthy. In retrospect, I can see that instinctively emulating this autocratic father-son relationship a generation later was a mistake. Times changed, and growing boys expected and needed more freedom in an age of television and automobiles of their own. I wonder why technology made the relationship different? Was this not the correct relationship in earlier times?
Sometimes the guidance of religious principles is even more valuable within the intimacy of a family than outside.
He realizes that he is still a work in progress.
All of us feel alone when we disagree with others or face the death of someone we love. Talks about learning to accept imperfection in others and yourself. And the need for mercy and forgiveness. I’ve come to realize that forgiveness is a basic foundation of my faith. Without the knowledge that I can be forgiven, it would not be possible to face my own shortcomings frankly. My comment here is “If I who am imperfect can forgive, then God who is perfect will forgive. If I don’t forgive, then I will not believe I am forgiven.” Carters says Even among people who are closest, there is a need for repetitive forgiveness. Do not let a day go by without forgiving a wrong.
LEADERSHIP AND FAITH
Chapter on leadership and discipline. He compares a Christian walk to being similar to a ship captain’s orders where the expectation is that they are followed-he makes a side note that as President he, like Truman, was surprised at how many orders were not followed explicitly or at least were significantly delayed. I wonder if this is a frustration for all Presidents? This book is being talked about while Trump is preparing for his second term in office and is now thinking of firing anybody who is not completely in line with his directives.
Truth is the absolute test for a Naval officer candidate. He also lists off several other attributes-some recognizably Christian, others more to do with armed forces.Carter’s experience was that some of his commanding officers were honorable and he wanted to serve under them as he knew exactly what was expected. But some were scattered and there was a degree of distrust. Carter also learned that a commanding officer needed to be commanding first, not a friend or somebody who allowed mistakes. Carter was formed by these examples of leadership.
He talks about Truman’s decision to drop the bomb. He feels that the cost was painful for Truman, but that ultimately it was the right decision for the President of the United States. Carter’s rationale is that it would have cost many more US soldiers lives to take Japan, based upon the cost to take Okinawa. Also there were the Hamburg raids and the Stalingrad deaths to consider. He notes that 55% of the World War II deaths were civilians. There were more Japanese lives lost on that island than US lives. The interesting statement is that we were in a declared war, defending democracy, our nation and our citizens. In wartime, a commander in chief cannot make protecting the enemy his preeminent concern; the lives of his own troops and citizens are more important. This is the nature of war. Carter says there were two justifications: 1) to avoid even more deaths, and 2) to show the evil which an atomic world war would bring.
Interesting the take Carter has on the Iranian hostage crisis.
Prayer is a key for Carter where he takes it to God to understand a situation. Three things he asks: 1) Are his goals appropriate, 2) Is he doing right? 3)Is he doing his best?
Carter says that when faced with a crisis, a great nation, one of strength will show caution and restraint. Do not take the blood of anybody, particularly your soldiers, lightly.
TO ESTABLISH JUSTICE
Most Americans are committed to do what is right and just, to be concerned about others, to be champions of peace, to bridge the chasm between ourselves and the needy, to alleviate their suffering, to keep our environment clean, and to try to comprehend and demonstrate that in God’s sight others are as worthy as we are. So starts this chapter. I wonder if he would still endorse this opening. Also, is this true? And in what ways is it true? Do we all or even most see this as a mission of our lives as Americans?
He notes it is often the government which is in the forefront, not churches. Is this because we have a background of morality from a religious country and our government is mostly aligned with church values-not particular ones, but as an outline of them? Carter states that this is a question he has pondered-the relationship between religious beliefs and the duties of a citizen.
Carter said it is easier for the person in the pew to avoid answering and acting on questions of justice than it is for a politician.
He has an example where churches do not know poor people. When they take up food or a collection for that reason, they need to contact governmental people to work through. This hampers our ability to understand and address issues of need. I am glad my church has good connections to its surrounding neighborhood, one of the poorest in the city.
He then talks about the failings of government-also notes that the church has some of the same failings. These failings have led to cynicism and pessimism. He notes, in 1996, that we have gotten more polarized-I think he means both politically and economically. Hence those at the bottom have more of a sense of unfairness and inequality. Also lack of justice.
Talks about his time as governor and bettering the prison system. He talks about the harshness of penalties and how that has not reduced crime.
He says that the values which he held as governor and president is how he defined justice. Go back to the opening paragraph.
Carter says that the Bible is ambiguous about how a Christian is to relate to secular authorities. There are verses which say we are to be subject to them. But then the same author defied the authorities concerning who Jesus was and their demand he stop preaching. Carter says that civil disobedience is in order when human laws are contrary to God’s commands to us. That leads into a lot of gray, such as do we not pay taxes on the part which goes to abortions? Or a war which seems to be particularly unethical? As President you are required to carry out the laws of the land. Carter tried to minimize the effect of laws which violated his morals. He takes the drive to change the laws concerning segregation as an example. Some changes occur slowly.
Carter thinks that changes to the Constitution should not be done to meet current concerns, but more long term issues.
The line between church and state is one which is not solid. The line helps protect both religion and government. He notes that when America was pretty much a single religion country or regions at least were, some form of religion in a classroom could be tolerated. We are not that country now and must respect the different religions in it.
Talks about his Playboy interview and how the reporter sneaked in a question when Carter thought it was off the record.
Julia Coleman, a former teacher of Carter said: We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.
SEARCHING FOR PEACE
Carter Center was established with a vagueness to join Carter's secular and religious interests into worthwhile projects. Start of being an unofficial liaison for places which a Presidential administration could not go without consequences. Also the Center allowed hostile parties to meet and understand each other and hash out differences. Two things which almost all parties could agree on was the need for peace and the need to alleviate suffering.
Do other former presidents have this kind of arrangement? Bush, Clinton, Obama?
Carter notes that war brings almost instant popularity to a President. Carter’s vision is for waging peace and the influence America can have on various countries. He says that Americans tend to see conflicts in terms of friend/enemy, angel/devil. He implies that this is not the case as there are usually shades of good and evil in all conflicts. Foreign sounding names tend to be viewed as evil.
Failure to understand other people’s needs and wants lead to conflict. This does not mean giving up your own goals, but helping the other to achieve theirs while taking care of your own.
Carter allows himself to meet with people whom we would label as despicable. People who we think have committed murder on a large scale. He does get permission from top government officials to pursue this. He gives some examples. I wonder if he was able to do this during the Trump years-or if he was healthy enough to do this? See the Carter center site for his trip reports. He does not claim to redeem or change the leaders, only to provide ways to help resolve situations.
Carter is a realist in recognizing that the primary “code” of some political leaders is simply to continue enjoying the benefits of power.
When we do sanctions without trying for resolutions, we do not hurt the leaders, but the poor segments of that society, particularly children.
The Carter Center does not duplicate or compete with other diplomatic efforts. The goal is to resolve issues.
Principles for Peacemaking - a list of 15.
STRIVE to have the international community and all sides in any conflict agree to the basic premise that military force should be used only as a last resort.
DO NOT INTERFERE with other ongoing negotiation efforts but offer intercession as an independent mediator when an unofficial presence is the only viable option.
STUDY the history and causes of the dispute thoroughly. Take advantage of any earlier personal involvement with key leaders and citizens of a troubled nation as a basis for building confidence and trust.
SEEK HELP from other mediators, especially those who know the region and are known and respected there. (In Africa, for instance, we join forces with distinguished leaders from that continent.)
BE PREPARED to go back and forth between adversaries who cannot or will not confront each other.
EXPLORE all possible beneficial influences on those who have created the problem. Use the news media to bring pressure on recalcitrant parties.
BE WILLING TO DEAL WITH THE KEY PEOPLE in any dispute, even if they have been isolated or condemned by other parties or organizations.
With sensitive international issues, OBTAIN approval from the White House before sending any Americans to take part in negotiations.
INSIST that human rights be protected, that international law be honored, and that the parties be prepared to uphold mutual commitments.
BE WILLING TO LISTEN to detailed explanations and demands from both sides, even when they seem unreasonable or unrealistic.
ENSURE that each concession is equaled or exceeded by benefits. Both sides must be able to feel that they have gained a victory.
TELL THE TRUTH, even when it may not contribute to a quick agreement. Only by total honesty can a mediator earn the trust and confidence of both sides.
BE PREPARED for criticism, no matter what the final result may be.
BE WILLING TO RISK the embarrassment of failure.
NEVER DESPAIR, even when the situation seems hopeless.
Another avenue to relieve the cause for despair. He thinks that any peace effort, even if it is successful, will [not] be lasting unless people have some control or influence over their own government. That is why they help monitor elections.
FAITH IN ACTION
What is our purpose in life? Carter says this is a question which produces anxiety in all of us. He says that the best remedy for this anxiety is to do something for someone else.
After moving back to Plains with Amy, they were faced with debt. They decided to establish the Carter Center and write their memoirs. They also started working with Habitat for Humanity. Talks about various projects they worked on.
The Carter Center works on issues which other agencies tend to ignore. They do not want to duplicate efforts. But they also work on getting unified efforts, such as getting groups to work with each other to improve children immunization.
Foreign Aid. Agreement that as other nations do better, so does the United States. We spend less than 1% of the US budget, less than most other nations. Such as Norway gives 3% of their GDP, not their budget. As citizens we give $4 billion to other countries. This is in 1996 dollars, I think. See a Brookings article published in 2024. Also ForeignAssistance.gov .
Evangelism is done not only by mouth, but by hands.
Because of its effectiveness, it draws top flight people to solve problems.
Individuals work through the Center. But also Carter points out that the center helps make the corporate world know about problems and ways it can help solve them. Carter gives examples of how corporations have helped solve problems with clean water and making various insect borne diseases manageable.
Christ was a doer, one whose faith took the form of action, not merely words.
Carter talks about people, both well-known and regular who have motivated us and helped to transform our lives. I would not have thought that their lives needed transformation.
CROSSING BARRIERS
It is perfectly legitimate and even admirable for Americans to promote their personal values through either religious or political processes. He draws the line when we try to use government to force others to be as we are or to worship the same way. That violates what we stand for.
He is concerned about the quarrels which divide us. Interesting phrase. He talks about selective use of Scripture as using the Bible as a rationalization for our personal preferences. Of course, we assume we are correct-if we did not, wouldn’t we be making a different case?
He talks about the lack of uniformity in our interpretation of Scripture. We go after sexual preference which Jesus does not talk about, but are silent about divorce or adultery. Talks about the woman at the well. Carter points out that Jesus broke a taboo of speaking to a Samaritan and a woman at that. The woman became his messenger and many saw the Messiah.
Christians and believers of every faith have a responsibility to help break down barriers based on race, sex, religion and other differences.
Talks about the ways which women are talked about in the New Testament. Sometimes told to be subservient, but other times holding leadership roles.
The Carters associate with the Southern Baptists, but are comfortable fellowshipping with other denominations, He looks at all Christian denominations as fundamentally compatible.
REACHING OUT
Talks about feeling rejected by God after losing a governor’s election.
Talks about various ways of reaching out to others. Sometimes by spoken word, sometimes by action. He lists five ways:
Contemplation. Prayer and communion with God.
Avoidance of sin and striving to be virtuous and holy. Danger of judgmental and being isolated.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit
Compassion and social justice. Careful that this does not become another social program among many.
Witnessing though preaching.
Who do you associate with?
He says that a living Christian faith is both demanding and rewarding. The rewarding moments seem to have come out when facing a challenge with a sense of selfishness and faith. These euphoric moments have grown out of simple meaningful acts of giving and sharing.
Carter relays two experiences he had going cold turkey among people in different states/cities where the Baptists were trying to start churches. In one, he was paired up with a Spanish speaking pastor to talk with Spanish speakers. Afterwards he asked Eloy Cruz what made him so gentle and effective witness. Cruz responded by saying You only have to have two loves in your life--for God and for the person in front of you at any particular time.
THE LORD I’VE COME TO KNOW
Goes through various theologian’s definitions of what religion is: Barth, Bonhoeffer, Niebuhr, Tillich and Luther. Some of the definitions I like from Carter are:
- Barth-religion is our search for God and that this always results in our finding a god that is most convenient for our own purposes.Sounds like Durkheim to me. He notes this is different from faith where God seeks us and finds us in Christ.
- Niebuhr-battle between God and man’s pride. Also a search for all of life’s highest values.
- Tillich-that doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is one element of faith.
He talks about how his faith has evolved from the Bible said it and I believe it and that settles it. It evolves to more of an understanding of that there are ways to interpret it.
Then talks about the Jesus Seminar which tends to carry things too far by thinking that it has superior knowledge of what was written than those who were closest to the writings. Carter makes an interesting statement that when the theories conflict with my basic beliefs and my living experience of Christ, I prefer to rely on faith, confident that further discoveries of ancient texts and other evidence will never disprove what I believe that makes the impact of Jesus on my own life so profound.
A crucial stage in the growth of my faith came when I began to see that the teachings of Christ could be applied to a secular existence.
When comparing Jesus to current society standards, Jesus was not very successful. He was always poor, lived in mud huts and was killed.
Carter goes through the temptations of Christ. Jesus was not tempted to do something morally wrong; rather he was offered easy ways to achieve his own worthy goals. He refused to exalt himself by his actions. He tried to do his miracles in less public ways. The Pharisees there understood the lesson: Forgiveness and reconciliation with God are more important than being able to walk. This was in relation to Jesus forgiving a man of his sins before healing him of his lameness. Mark 2:1-11.
Talks about Nicodemus.
Carter’s definition of a Christian: a person professing Jesus Christ as a personal savior and striving to have the qualities demonstrated by Jesus.
ABUNDANT LIFE
Carter starts by taking a sermon by Rev. Otis Moss for Mrs. Martin Luther King, Sr saying that what matters is not the dates on the headstone, but what happens during the time of the dash between the dates. What do we do with that little dash in between, which represents our life on earth? What preoccupies me? What makes my life meaningful to me?
He is concerned that we live too conservatively-trying to make due until we die. It is the reaching, the inspiration, the extra commitment that provide the foundation for a full and gratifying life.
Not all of us are called to transform the world. But each of us can be kind to those around us, loving the person in front of us-Eloy Cruz’ words.
He sets out the Amish as a people who have tried to live out life as Jesus would have. One story which resonated with me was when an Amish farmer was asked if he was a Christian, he got out a piece of paper and wrote down a list of names, which was his neighbor, and told the person to ask them if he was a Christian. To me this is a truer test of am I living out my faith-do others think so.
Fear and anxiety are two of the most troubling human emotions according to Carter.
How do we face death? Fear or confidence?
That nondemanding time is when the fullness of life needs to be nurtured. Who decides what is the quality time? We do. …. It’s the simple things, the way we spend our waiting time, can matter most.
Sharing time can be meaningful.
In some ways, I might have been more like Jimmy Carter if I had been President: meaning good, trying to keep my faith while honoring people, but not a strong leader and generally ineffective.
Carter states the purpose of this book is to explain in understandable terms how his life has been affected by Jesus’ words and actions. Also about how he tried to live up to these, sometimes falling short, sometimes coming close. I think of a President as being the height of a person's growth. I think Carter showed that growth continues to happen.
This book is more about the values which Carter cherishes, not only as President, but all through his life. He talks about how both faith and the military formed him. Also how he has changed as he understood both life, relationship, and God’s direction better. He talks about justice, peace, relationships, and trying to emulate what God would want him to do.
On the whole, it is a worthwhile book to read. His writing is not inspiring, but plain. At times it felt like I was wading through what he was trying to say. But it was well worthwhile once you understood his point. Read Living Faith and understand the man and his faith better.
Notes from my book group:
When did Carter write this? What circumstances surrounded the writing? Do you think this influenced the content or approach to the book?
Why do you think Carter wrote this book?
Do you think he accomplished his goals?
What points does Carter make in the book? How does he do this? Did you understand better the the values and experience that have shaped my [Carter’s] life and how the religious beliefs I inherited have been transformed into living faith?
Which points resonated with you? Why?
What is living faith? Do you agree with his definition of faith? [ 1) fidelity with God and 2) action based upon this belief.]
What does it mean to face our doubts courageously?
A Carter question is Where do we turn now when there is a moral question?
In talking about Paul Tillich, Carter says that One of his themes is that doubt is an acceptable, even necessary aspect of faith--that faith implies a continuing search, not necessarily a final answer. How do you understand this statement? Do you agree? How have you tackled doubts about what you hold true? Has having doubts weakened or strengthened your beliefs?
During his campaigns, some Christian leaders questioned Carter being a Christian? Why were they questioning his Christianity? How do you defend yourself about a charge of NOT being a Christian, assuming you are a Christian? (Or something which you think you are?) How did the Amish farmer answer that question?
Looking back, Carter realizes that there was an unwritten code of how to act around other races, particularly Blacks. Describe what this code was. What code or codes permeates our current society which maybe in 40 years you might be ashamed of following?
Carter says that in some things, we just got to be patient. How long does a group need to be patient to obtain justice? How should they act until that happens?
Carter defends Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. He says that we were in a declared war, defending democracy, our nation and our citizens. In wartime, a commander in chief cannot make protecting the enemy his preeminent concern; the lives of his own troops and citizens are more important. This is the nature of war. How did you react to this statement? How did you react to the information about the deaths it would have taken to battle in Japan vs the toll the bombs took? What would you have done as commander-in-chief? Why?
How does a great nation show strength in a crisis? Did Carter’s answer of caution and restraint resonant with you? Why or why not?
Chapter five opens with this long statement: Most Americans are committed to do what is right and just, to be concerned about others, to be champions of peace, to bridge the chasm between ourselves and the needy, to alleviate their suffering, to keep our environment clean, and to try to comprehend and demonstrate that in God’s sight others are as worthy as we are. So starts this chapter. I wonder if he would still endorse this opening. Also, is this true? And in what ways is it true? Do we all or even most see this as a mission of our lives as Americans?
The government seems to be more concerned with justice than the churches. True or false? Give examples of both.
Carter explores the dynamic of the relationship between religious beliefs and the duties of a citizen. Talk about how you have felt this tension and how you are working it out.
This tension can lead to places where a Christian may not agree with the government. How can a Christian honor the government as Romans 13 says, but still disagree? What actions are permissible and under what circumstances?
Discuss what Carter says about the boundary placed between church and state. What does Carter say about it? How solid is the boundary? What protections does it give for both the government and for religious institutions? How did this issue lead to trouble for Carter?
Carter notes that Americns tend to see conflict in terms of a dichotomy-good vs evil, as well as demonizing opponents. Do you agree with this observation? Give examples to back up your thinking. How do you think Jesus would view someone on the other side of a conflict? What approach does Carter have to understand his opponents?
Discuss the Principles for Peacemaking. Do you see this as a viable framework?
The question What is our purpose in life? leads to anxiety and fear. How does Carter address this?
What did you understand about Carter better than before you read the book? What are some of the things you wished he talked more about?
This book was written over 25 years ago, what value does reading this book have for today?
How do you want your life to change because you read this book?
Many of these questions are either from or adapted from LitLovers.
Why the title of Living Faith?
Does this book work as a explanation to live life?
Did the ending seem fitting? Satisfying?
Every book has a world view. Were you able to identify this book’s world view? What was it? How did it affect the book?
Why do you think the author wrote this book?
What would you ask the author if you had a chance?
What “takeaways” did you have from this book?
What central ideas does the author present?
Are they personal, sociological, global, political, economic, spiritual, medical, or scientific
What evidence does the author use to support the book's ideas?
Is the evidence convincing...definitive or...speculative?
Does the author depend on personal opinion, observation, and assessment? Or is the evidence factual—based on science, statistics, historical documents, or quotations from (credible) experts?
What implications for you, our nation or the world do these ideas have?
Are these idea’s controversial?
To whom and why?
Are there solutions which the author presents?
Do they seem workable? Practicable?
How would you implement them?
Describe the culture talked about in the book.
How is the culture described in this book different than where we live?
What economic or political situations are described?
Does the author examine economics and politics, family traditions, the arts, religious beliefs, language or food?
How did this book affect your view of the world?
Of how God is viewed?
What questions did you ask yourself after reading this book?
Talk about specific passages that struck you as significant—or interesting, profound, amusing, illuminating, disturbing, sad...?
What was memorable?
- Bully for Brontosaurus by Jay Gould
- Everything to Gain by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
- The Bluejackets Manual- Navy seaman’s handbook
- Turning Point by Jimmy Carter
- Keeping Faith by Jimmy Carter
Good Quotes:
- First Line: Living Faith is my eleventh book, and its hardcover publication resulted in more responses and comments than from anything else I’ve written.
- Last Line: A few times in life, a “good and lovely” adventure wouldn’t hurt.
- We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles. Julia Coleman, former teacher of Jimmy Carter
- it is a mistake not to face our doubts courageously. Chp THE SEARCH FOR FAITH
- Most of the beautiful acts of Jesus as recounted in the Gospels do not relate to compliance with existing laws; they were extraordinary because he reached beyond what was required or expected. Chp A ROOTED LIFE
- I’ve come to realize that forgiveness is a basic foundation of my faith. Without the knowledge that I can be forgiven, it would not be possible to face my own shortcomings frankly. Chp FINDING PEACE AT HOME
- Christ was a doer, one whose faith took the form of action, not merely words. Chp FAITH IN ACTION
- You only have to have two loves in your life--for God and for the person in front of you at any particular time. Chp REACHING OUT
- It’s the simple things, the way we spend our waiting time, can matter most. Chp ABUNDANT LIFE
- INTRODUCTION
- THE SEARCH FOR FAITH
- A ROOTED LIFE
- FINDING PEACE AT HOME
- LEADERSHIP AND FAITH
- TO ESTABLISH JUSTICE
- SEARCHING FOR PEACE
- FAITH IN ACTION
- CROSSING BARRIERS
- REACHING OUT
- THE LORD I’VE COME TO KNOW
- ABUNDANT LIFE
- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
- INDEX
References:
- Wikipedia-Author
- Amazon-Book
- Amazon-Author
- Barnes and Noble
- GoodReads-Book
- GoodReads-Author
- Publisher’s Weekly
- YouTube - Interview with Deanne Lane
