For years, visitors from around the globe gathered at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, eager to attend Jimmy Carter’s Sunday school class. Whether they shared his faith or not, people came for the experience of hearing the former U.S. president teach in his humble, rural church.
Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, leaves behind a legacy not only as a leader of a nation but also as a man deeply rooted in his Christian beliefs. His life reflected a rare blend of evangelical faith and progressive politics—a combination that feels increasingly uncommon in today’s America.
Elected in 1976 after the turmoil of Vietnam and Watergate, Carter stood out as a “born-again” Christian who emphasized justice, love, and peace as guiding principles of his presidency. He once said his faith drove him to avoid violence during his administration, highlighting that not a single missile or bomb was deployed under his leadership.
Carter’s tenure, however, coincided with the rise of the religious right—a movement that soon eclipsed his progressive approach. Figures like Jerry Falwell championed conservative social issues, creating a political force that would define evangelicalism in America for decades.
Sundays with Jimmy
For years, Carter taught Sunday school to packed pews at Maranatha Baptist Church. Visitors were encouraged to arrive hours early to secure a spot, with some even braving the chilly pre-dawn hours.
Jan Williams, a longtime church member, described the growing popularity of Carter’s classes, which began modestly and eventually drew crowds of up to 800. Carter’s lessons intertwined biblical teachings with reflections on global events, offering a unique perspective that resonated with many.
The church itself was a picture of small-town simplicity—a red-brick building with a white steeple, nestled among pecan trees and cotton fields. Despite the setting’s modesty, the experience of hearing Carter speak was profound for many attendees.
After each service, Carter and his wife Rosalynn greeted visitors, posing for photos as a keepsake of their visit. It was a small but meaningful way for the former president to connect with those who came to see him.
A Life Guided by Faith
Though his presidency was secular in practice, Carter’s faith shaped his worldview. He firmly believed in separating personal beliefs from public duty, as he explained during a 1978 speech, saying, “You can’t impose your own religious beliefs on others.”
Even so, Carter’s faith made headlines during his campaign when he admitted in a Playboy interview to having “committed adultery in his heart,” referencing a passage from the Bible. The candid remark was mocked by some but also highlighted his authenticity—a quality that endeared him to voters.
In his later years, Carter reflected on his life as one shaped by service, faith, and gratitude. He remained active in humanitarian work and continued to inspire others with his humility and commitment to living out his values.
As America says goodbye to Jimmy Carter, his legacy as a leader, teacher, and man of faith remains a testament to the impact of a life lived with purpose and conviction.