Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, left behind a legacy that intertwined his deep faith with his diplomatic achievements. Carter's most celebrated foreign policy success, the 1978 peace deal between Egypt and Israel, was rooted in his belief in a shared faith in the same God. He saw connections between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, tracing them back to a common ancestor in each religion's sacred texts.
Throughout his life, Carter's faith played a central role in shaping his political decisions and personal actions. As a 'born-again Christian,' he stood out in the political landscape of the 1970s, using his presidency to advocate for human rights, environmental conservation, and peace. Carter's faith led him to prioritize public service above politics, a principle he carried into his post-presidential years through The Carter Center's global initiatives.
Despite being an outlier in the Democratic Party for his unabashed evangelism, Carter also advocated for the separation of church and state and took progressive stances on various social issues, including LGBTQ rights. His evolution on equal rights, including his support for same-sex marriage later in life, reflected a deep commitment to equality and justice.
Carter's diplomatic efforts were also influenced by his faith, as seen in his interactions with world leaders like Poland's Edward Gierek and China's Deng Xiaoping. His willingness to engage in discussions about Christianity and his emphasis on peace and understanding helped shape key moments in international relations.
As the world remembers Jimmy Carter, his legacy as a man of faith and diplomacy serves as a reminder of the power of conviction and compassion in shaping a better future for all.
