Rating:  Summary: Road Map to Living Your Faith Review: Jimmy Carter has written a wonderful memoir using his personal struggles as a way to better live his faith. The life incidents in the book are told so honestly that it is evident that here is a man who is dealing with his own shortcomings, but trying to live his life as he believes Jesus would have him do it. Because of that, Living Faith becomes a wonderful road map for those of us who are also all-too-human but who truly desire to know and do our Heavenly Father's will. I found the observations regarding the early years of his marriage candid and illuminating. The wooden check good for one apology which he made in his wood shop and gave to Rosalyn was a great example of putting your values into action. From this book, we see a man who is inspired by Christ, not shackled by dogma, and who sincerely strives to live the Word and make the world a better place. I recommend this book as one that inspires and stimulates our higher impulses to do good. Don't miss it!
Rating:  Summary: A penetrating look into the humble heart of a public man. Review: No matter what opinion one may hold of Jimmy Carter's political persuasion or acumen, it is difficult to read this book and not admire him for the way he has played out his personal faith and studied convictions. His writing style is simple and in some cases a bit choppy, but here is a rare opportunity to look into and learn from the heart of a man whose public persona was little understood. He has, since leaving public office, given himself and his skills to alleviating human suffering and improving the lot of the dispossessed in America and around the world
Rating:  Summary: Faithful Advice Mr. President Review: President Carter gives us a window into his life and family to understand what makes our "born again" President tick. It is not a memoir, but a revelation of what it means to be a faithful Christian and how anyone can emulate Jesus. After all that is what a Christian is supposed to do. Mr. Carter's style is very much like listening to him address us, sometimes he back tracks a little because he want to make a point that we really need to know. For those Christians on the other side of the political fence, it is an understanding of Mr. Carter as a brother in faith and not the political cartoon. We can see how sometimes the office of the Presidency can overwhelm the occupant, and leave us to assume the President is weak. Mr. Carter's witness to Jesus and the message of Peace and Love in his own words and example show tremendous strength of character, and dedication to a living God. This would make an excellent study and discussion book for young adults as well as more "mature" couples. Thank you Mr. Jimmy, especially for reminding us that the little dash in between, is what we have done.
Rating:  Summary: Faithful Advice Mr. President Review: President Carter gives us a window into his life and family to understand what makes our "born again" President tick. It is not a memoir, but a revelation of what it means to be a faithful Christian and how anyone can emulate Jesus. After all that is what a Christian is supposed to do. Mr. Carter's style is very much like listening to him address us, sometimes he back tracks a little because he want to make a point that we really need to know. For those Christians on the other side of the political fence, it is an understanding of Mr. Carter as a brother in faith and not the political cartoon. We can see how sometimes the office of the Presidency can overwhelm the occupant, and leave us to assume the President is weak. Mr. Carter's witness to Jesus and the message of Peace and Love in his own words and example show tremendous strength of character, and dedication to a living God. This would make an excellent study and discussion book for young adults as well as more "mature" couples. Thank you Mr. Jimmy, especially for reminding us that the little dash in between, is what we have done.
Rating:  Summary: Why he is not an evangelical Review: This book has a lot going for it: nicely packaged, well-written, thoughtful, candid. At times I really enjoyed it. But overall I found it a frustrating read. Carter is often smug. His endless boasting is too much to stomach. The most helpful aspect of this book was to understand better the contours of Carter's personal theology. What is very clear is that by any classical standard Carter is no evangelical. His beliefs include: Homosexuality is basically acceptable (p.187), Biblical inerrancy is ridiculous (p.197-8), Reinhold Niebuhr and Soren Kierkegaard are his favorite theologians, Mormons are Christian... A pretty helpful book for political junkies needing to know more about Carter, but not as helpful as an inspirational aid for Christians. I probably would have given it 3 stars if I hadn't gone into it with higher hopes.
Rating:  Summary: Absolutely great Review: This book has something for everyone -- for people in crisis, it offers warmth and guidance and understanding. For the average reader, it suggests ways to help our friends who are grieving or worrying or struggling, and words of wisdom to inspire us. For searchers who struggle with their faith, this book is a blessing. It is so clearly written, so gently spiritual, that it provides comfort to the mind. Not only is this a wonderful book about faith and values, but it is also a wonderful book about leadership, written by an excellent role model. I read it fast, then slowed down and read it again. Now I open it in the mornings whenever I want a little spirituality. Living Faith is restful and exciting. I strongly recommend you buy it.
Rating:  Summary: Why he is not an evangelical Review: This book, written by who I feel to be the best ex-president we've ever had, is a bit of a spiritual autobiography of Jimmy Carter. He tells of his childhood, his relationship with his father and neighbors, and the role God played in his life. In the book are touching stories of poverty outreach projects, his work for Habitat for Humanity, as well as the dilemmas he faced when his Presidential duties conflicted with his faith convictions. I do believe Carter to be a good example of someone who lives out his faith, and does not simply confess it with his lips. He has, as Paul said, the three virtues; faith, hope and chairty. Some people will find his somewhat modernist points of views as troublesome. Conservatives who are uncompromising on such issues as abortion will have mixed feelings about Carter to begin with. At the same time, this book will be accessible to more people who might be turned off and wouldn't read it were it authored by a more conservative individual. Its not the best work I've read, but for someone seeking a light read and a feel-good spiritual autobiography, this may be for you.
Rating:  Summary: Good if you can get past the modernism Review: This book, written by who I feel to be the best ex-president we've ever had, is a bit of a spiritual autobiography of Jimmy Carter. He tells of his childhood, his relationship with his father and neighbors, and the role God played in his life. In the book are touching stories of poverty outreach projects, his work for Habitat for Humanity, as well as the dilemmas he faced when his Presidential duties conflicted with his faith convictions. I do believe Carter to be a good example of someone who lives out his faith, and does not simply confess it with his lips. He has, as Paul said, the three virtues; faith, hope and chairty. Some people will find his somewhat modernist points of views as troublesome. Conservatives who are uncompromising on such issues as abortion will have mixed feelings about Carter to begin with. At the same time, this book will be accessible to more people who might be turned off and wouldn't read it were it authored by a more conservative individual. Its not the best work I've read, but for someone seeking a light read and a feel-good spiritual autobiography, this may be for you.
Rating:  Summary: Religious or Atheist, this book is for you! Review: Tolerance, forgiveness, understanding, and love are all characteristics of a Christian. The literal translation of the word Christian is "Christ-like". Jimmy Carter demonstrates the true meaning of following the example of Christ in his everyday life. Living Faith provides us with a personal example of how our leaders should govern with compassion and love and refraining from passing judgement. Going to church, doesn't make one a Christian. Although Jimmy Carter uses his Christian faith as an example, it doesn't matter, this book is more about doing the right thing and that applies to any religion.
Rating:  Summary: Thank you, President Carter. Review: Two basic elements of his character stand out in this book by former President Jimmy Carter - his willingness to show us the stuff he's made of - warts and all, and his insistence on fairness in dealing with people. If he had a weakness while serving as President, it was that he expected Washington press and politicians to exhibit these character traits as well. Of course, they did not.
For me, Mr. Carter's accounts of his family life confirmed my belief that he has always been a man dedicated to his faith and public service. For him, the two are inseparable.
Mr. Carter's remarks about his brother Billy and Miss Lillian also show an appreciation for family and for the world that the press has overlooked. Therefore, we never knew about it, except for our personal observations.
I would like to thank President Carter for giving me the chance to more fully understand and appreciate him and what he stands for. May he have a long life and continued success
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