Former President Jimmy Carter has a new Bible!
One he wrote himself!
Partly!
The publishing house Zondervan has produced a new study Bible titled the NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter.
Get yours today!
Or don’t. Actually, let’s go with that: Don’t. Definitely don’t.
Not if you want Bible commentary from someone who knows what he’s talking about.
Carter can’t even display minimal coherence regarding biblical interpretation in friendly interviews designed to promote his . . . er . . . book.
Consider the veritable storm of nonsense he unleashed in this interview with the Huffington Post.
Paul Brandeis Raushenbush: Thank you so much for talking with me President Carter. As I warned, I am going to be asking the tough questions. So ... Did God write the Bible?
President Jimmy Carter: God inspired the Bible but didn’t write every word in the Bible. We know, for instance that stars can’t fall on the earth, stars are much larger than the earth. That was a limitation of knowledge of the universe or physics, or astronomy at that time, but that doesn’t bother me at all.
Hmmm. God inspired the Bible but he didn’t write every word in it.
How does that square with Jesus’ statement: “I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished” (Matt. 5:18)? This seems to suggest that God didn’t only supply the words but the individual letters and strokes.
That doesn’t mean that God intended everything in Scripture to be a straightforward, literal assertion to be understood in the sense a modern would take it. Clearly he doesn’t. Let’s take the passages about stars falling to earth as an example.
It’s true that for modern English speakers the word “star” normally refers to astronomical bodies like the sun which, as Carter points out, are far too large to fall to earth without destroying it. But to the ancients it also referred to other celestial bodies, including the planets. While they also are too big to fall to earth, the word also applied to other objects that could fall to earth, including comets (“hairy stars”) and meteoroids, or what are commonly referred to (when they enter earth’s atmosphere) in English as “shooting stars” or . . . wait for it . . . “falling stars.”
Even in English we call them “falling” stars. Is there really no phenomenon that, taking the passage in a literalist sense, it could be referring to?
How about meteor showers?
And that’s only if we confine ourselves to taking the passages in a literalistic sense. If we broaden our interpretive options and consider the ways that Scripture uses stars as symbols, new possibilities appear.
In Revelation we have the symbol of stars explicitly identified as referring, on at least some occasions, to angels (cf. Rev. 1:20). What if we’re talking about fallen angels (as seems to be the case in Rev. 12:4)?
In other places, stars can symbolize the leaders of a people, as when they are used to symbolize the patriarchs of Israel (Gen. 37:9-10). Could we be talking about a convulsion that topples the leaders of a people?
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist—or even knowledgeable about modern science—to have that interpretation occur to you. The Medieval Jewish commentator Maimonides proposed exactly that explanation for Isaiah 34:4-5, which describes God’s judgment on the ancient Edomites in terms of stars falling. He writes:
The prophet means to say that the individuals, who were like stars as regards their permanent, high, and undisturbed position, will quickly come down, as a leaf falleth from the vine, and as a fig falling from the fig-tree [Guide for the Perplexed 2:29].
This interpretation of Isaiah is, incidentally, shared by many Protestant interpreters who Mr. Carter would pillory as Fundamentalists. Even they—people highly inclined toward literalistic interpretations—often favor this interpretation.
In fact, I can’t think of anybody who thinks that the giant masses of fusing hydrogen that we think of as stars either fell to earth at the judgment of Edom or that they will do so in the future.
There are just a bunch of alternatives to thinking that while taking the text seriously.
But Carter seems aware of none of this. The statement about stars falling to the earth conflicts with the first interpretation he thinks of, and he’s willing to say that God didn’t write this passage. He thinks it’s scientifically inaccurate and so non-divine in origin, even though (a) there are literalistic interpretations that are possible like meteor showers and (b) symbolic interpretations (like fallen angels or fallen political leaders) that are also possible.
How do you approach the passages in the Bible that talk about God’s creation (Genesis 1:1) while maintaining a positive attitude towards science?
I happen to have an advantage there because I am a nuclear physicist by training and a deeply committed Christian. I don’t have any doubt in my own mind about God who created the entire universe. But I don’t adhere to passages that so and so was created 4000 years before Christ, and things of that kind. Today we have shown that the earth and the stars were created millions, even billions, of years before. We are exploring space and sub-atomic particles and learning new facts every day, facts that the Creator has known since the beginning of time.
Carter says, “I don’t adhere to passages that so and so was created 4000 years before Christ.”
What passages would those be?
Carter seems to be thinking of the chronology of Church of Ireland Archbishop James Ussher, who held that the world (not “so-and-so”) was created about 4000 B.C., but that’s Ussher’s calculation—not a passage in the Bible.
What do you say to those who point to certain scriptures that women should not teach men or speak in church? (1 Corinthians 1:14)
I separated from the Southern Baptists when they adopted the discriminatory attitude towards women, because I believe what Paul taught in Galatians that there is no distinction in God’s eyes between men and women, slaves and masters, Jews and non-Jews -– everybody is created equally in the eyes of God.
There are some things that were said back in those days –- Paul also said that women should not be adorned, fix up their hair, put on cosmetics, and that every woman who goes in a place of worship should have her head covered. Paul also said that men should not cut their beards and advocated against people getting married, except if they couldn’t control their sexual urges. Those kinds of things applied to the customs of those days. Every worshipper has to decide if and when they want those particular passages to apply to them and their lives.
Okay, wait. “Paul also said that men should not cut their beards.” You know how many times the word “beard” (or “beards”) appear in St. Paul’s writings? NONE! You know how many passages in the New Testament there are that say not to cut your beard? NONE! The passage Carter apparently has in mind is Leviticus 19:27, where the Law of Moses requires the ancient Hebrews not to cut the corners off of their beards. And if Carter were displaying any real grasp of Paul’s thought, he would realize that Paul was a sharp critic of imposing precisely this kind of Mosaic cultural/ceremonial requirement on Christians.
The knowledge Carter displays of the Bible and its proper interpretation is profoundly disturbing. One could forgive him a slip. Everyone has slips of the tongue and slips of memory, but this degree of incoherence is not what one expects of the author of a study Bible.
I’ve got more to say on President Carter and his forays into religious subjects, but for now . . .
What do you think?
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Just another human trying to improve on GOD!
Although the requirement that women cover their heads isn’t necessarily binding, veils really show a woman’s beauty.
I can’t grasp that Carter was trained as a nuclear physicist??? Really?
As far as his Christian values I feel he’s a little off on that since he seems to admire many that want Christians and Jews dead..
Was President Carter trained as a nuclear physicist in the same vein as Homer Simpson?
Jimmy Carter is a 1946 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis Maryland. He received a general engineering degree and later received advanced training in nuclear engineering as part of the Navy’s reactor program. He undoubtedly has training in nuclear physics, but it is much more accurate to call him a nuclear engineer.
Sounds like his book should be retitled as “Why there needs to be an Authority in Scripture and it’s not me”. As a fellow engineer I find his lack of thought embarrassing. But it’s heartening to know that since we survived this President we can survive the one we have now. I also feel for the man, he does not know of The Fullness of the Truth. We are extremely fortunate to be Catholic.
Oh my waffles, seriously??????
“As I warned, I am going to be asking the tough questions. So ... Did God write the Bible?”
Wow…. that is tough, I don’t know How I would answ- YES! It makes me think this interveiwer has even less knowladge of the bible than Carter.
Speaking of Mr. Carter, how did this guy get to be president? He can even underst- I mean, come on! There are SO many passages in the bible that are difficult, hard to understand, or just obscure and not much thought about. But THESE are the ones he spazez out on? Dosen’t understand metaphores, TAKE A MIDDLE SHCOOL ENGLISH CLASS, WOULD YA? Shesh. What religion is this guy anyway? I heard that about four years ago he was a teacher a sunday-school class, I pray to God, for the sake of those children, that this incoherence is a recent development.
Thanks for your excellent article. It tells the facts as they
are. More articles like this are needed
So few will stand for the truth and facts as they are and one
who is not trained to understand the scriptures should not
be putting themselves forward as an authority.
I think Zondervan needs to be exposed for accepting such a manuscript.
Seems they are more interested in the selling of books then putting
out an accurate translation.
Standing for the truth is a lonesome position today but all believers
must follow our Lord and do that.
Please visit our website faithchristianmin.org to see what we are
doing to put forth the truth and help parents who have chosen to
home school their children so that they might be “trained in the way
they should go”
God bless- Pastor Cates
I think he’s just another relativist Christian trying to make Christianity fit with the mores of the time by being PC and trying to edit out all those things that society at large doesn’t want to hear. I’m not entirely sure he gets the the message and mission of Christ are both timeless and not meant to be adapted to any specific time or place. I feel for anyone who reads his notes on the Bible and takes them seriously.
I would never read anything this failed ex president wrote not even a grocery list. Carter has an ego that doesn’t know any bounds. He takes himself so seriously that it becomes laughable.
The fact is he still resents not getting a second term and had held a grudge ever since. He frantically writes
books on all subjects, desperate that he not be forgotten by an American public that rejected him long ago. I do not appreciate anything that comes from his typewriter nor his mouth when he condemns America during visits to foreign countries. I suggest he get back to growing peanuts and put the typewriter in storage.
I think President Carter has a good heart and sincerely wants to help others. God Bless him.
The tone and implications of the discourse in both the blog and the comments are uncharitable. It’s obvious that President Carter does not have a degree in biblical scholarship, and that he makes mistakes in his answers to these questions. However, I believe reading his personal reflections on the Bible after a life filled with the Christian Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity has merit. The title says, “Personal Reflections” I don’t see Zondervan or Mr. Carter making any claims other than that. I’m going to purchase and read this book
Read the article. Read the comments that followed. Now, just wondering about God’s take on this! Sure hope He has a sense of humor. Very comforting to know He still perseveres in loving mankind.
Regardless of Carter’s politics, he has always seemed to be a sincere Christian. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, especially on a CATHOLIC blog, if the blogger would practice CHARITY in his comments? We are none of us perfect.
Jimmy Carter also supports gay “marriage”. I have nothing against someone writing their own reflections—I think that’s a good thing to do. But someone so confused (and apparently uneducated in how to read the bible) should do a little more self-reflection before writing a “study bible”. I think it was a bit presumptuous of him to do so.
Someone noted that remarks on Carter may be considered “uncharitable”. I doubt they could make a dent in his ego. Stop to consider that he is the one that keeps pushing himself into the public arena. When you are in the arena you are going to get some jabs—but I doubt it makes him even pause because now he is telling us gay marriage is just fine with him. His “bible” probably supports it too. He could do everyone a favor and go quietly away and spare the trees.
Rev. Cates,
I agree that the publisher should be looked at. But I haven’t read Pres. Carter’s book. Perhaps Carter had, before the interview, mixed up his meds (he is in his late seventies, I think.) or something to that affect. His book may be cut from a different cloth entierly. You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, while I wouldn’t like to throw down money on a book the author portraied as poorly as that, but that dosen’t mean it is what it was portrayed as…........ I think- Oh my gosh, I laughing to hard now to type!f
I found the choice of questions interesting: The Bible and science, the Bible and women, the Bible and homosexuality, the Bible and ecumenism. I guess Mr. Rauschenbush felt those would be of interest to his readers. That is unfortunate. The Bible has so much more to say to people than just providing comments on current secular obsessions. I would have expected those types of questions from a MSM editor, not a religion editor.
As for Mr. Carter’s biblical knowledge, let’s just say I’m glad I am a Catholic with 2000 years of accumulated knowledge and a magisterium to draw on. I tried to download a free sample on Kindle but currently it is unavailable. I do want to read some of it for myself.
JohnE,
Ah, yes I do think that for someone to write a “Study” anything they should have serious and thourough understanding of the subject. (More thourough than Mr. Former President displayed in this interview)
I’m not sure, but I happen to be the type of person who is incapable of explaining ANYTHING, no matter how well I know it, if I can’t do it on paper or in type. My words often come out more nonsensical and roundabout than this poor man’s when I talk(30% of the time I’m not even logical in my speech, let alone efficient or understandable), but I am a master at spinning stories on the page, both poetically and otherwise. Perhaps he is the same as I am, and makes more sense in his book.
Yes, there can be an argument made for being a bit more ‘charitable’ toward Mr. Carter. Everyong deserves to be treated with repect and, in compliance witht he 8th, and other, commandments, not to detract or criticize his failings…
BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, we are also dealing with the fact that someone of (arguable) influence in our culture and world today is claiming authority for himself that few popes and councils ever claimed, if any did—reinteripreting and dictating to God what his own word means and what is true. Many protestants (and Catholics) fall into the trap of hell today in believing that simply because the bible was written in the past it autormatically suffers from a “less enlightened” understanding. Even “God’s Word” is his word only insofar as it corresponds to MY words and so-called ‘personal truth.’ Near the end of my tenure as a Lutheran pastor (I’ve now come home to Rome), my bishop was arguing in front of the congregation I served as to why the “church” (the national church body, that is - not the adjective) could INDEED change the teaching of the Church of the past 2000 years. “It’s our job as Lutheraan,” he said, “to decide which passages of scritpure are true and which are not.” REALLY? (Don’t get me started on the fact the word ‘heresy’ literally means “to choose or divide between.” Either what God said and inspired is TRUE or it is not.)
Thus, Mr. Carter has put himself out there as an authoritative voice. Zondervan also promtes him as such, as does this “tough” interviewer. Challenging his credentials and opionions are not only valid but necessary. True, he’s entitled to his own opinions, which the title of the book implies, but the effect is that of so-called wisdom and knowledge seeking to ‘enlighten’ us neanderthals who believe the Word of God is the Word of God, that there is a TRUTH out there which we didn’t vote for, and acceptance that Jesus and God are LORD means much more than simply they get billing on our life’s masthead. If the Lord is to rule our lives, then we must be ruled by the Rule and not try to rule the Ruler, otherwise we’ll rue the day we took the bite out of the apple ourselves.
Anyway, “Seems they are more interested in the selling of books then putting out an accurate translation.” The NIV is the flagship translation of many protestants - and Zondervan’s catalogue. (It even trumps the KJV for many). However, after years of experience with it, I would argue (for fun, mostly, but with some seriousness), that this “NIV” translation hardly any implication that it is ‘an accurage translation.’ True to the protestant agenda, certain key words are intentionally reinterpreted and mis-translated to avoid such inconvenient truths (to paraphrase another plastic ‘authority’) as tradition, hierarchy and even natural law.
(Ok - I’m like a militant ex-smoker when it comes to the protestant philosophical and epistimelogical mindset—the people I love; but they lack vision because of the walls of their own “choices’ of doctrinal systems.)
Thank you, Jim and all of you fellow commentators as I needed a good laugh and this is one of the best. I am sure that Mr. Raushenbush also asked Mr. Carter very, many more questions on the Bible (if he could keep himself from laughing) and that very first question was just perfect: Did God write the Bible? I’m surprised that no one asked: which version? I believe that God took his sister (Ruth) home so early so she wouldn’t be constantly embarrassed by brother Jimmy’s actions. The only Democrat that I voted for and what an embarrassment that was. +JMJ+
Is it in the DNA of Protestants to keep on improving on the Word of God? Don’t we have enough Protestant interpretations of the Bible that beget multiplications of Protestant churches to their own ultimate disarray? Now, one Jimmy Carter wants to outdo another Jimmy. That’s Jimmy Swaggart, with his “designed by the Lord” Expositor’s Study Bible. When does one’s ego end?
This explains everything.
Carter is as effective a Bible interpreter as he was as president. Go figure….
I often wondered why Jimmy Carter did such a dismal job as President. Now I know—He certainly is NOT listening to GOD. His interpretation of the Bible tells us that he is not listening. Certainly the times were and are diffrerent but the basic difference is that many of us think we are smarter than GOD. That’s right, with our knowledge of science etc. we have simply surpassed the basic knowledge of GOD or so it seems to be. We need to pray for Jimmy and his politician friends…....
Would you expect anything different from Jimmy Carter?
A lot of negative assumptions are being stated as fact about a man who loves God and has compassion for those who suffer. Is that slander? For God’s sake and ours, it is Lent, so please love this good man as I am certain God loves him.
Jimmy is only acting as any Protestant would, being his own interpreter of the Scriptures. Thank God if you are fortunate enough to belong to Holy Mother Church with 2,000 years of Tradition, look at all the confusion you are avoiding.
unless I’m reading this wrong, doesn’t it say that these are his “Personal Reflections?” He’s not claiming to be a Bible scholar…
@Ronald King….I see nothing wrong with being critical of someone who gives a erroneous interpretation of the bible, personally I take issue with protestants always putting forth their own personal theology and leading people astray from the one true Catholic Church, especially from the sacraments which instill’s God’s grace which all christians definitely need, bottom line he was either being politically correct or ignorant of the bible or has a false theology or maybe all the above.
“How does that square with Jesus’ statement: “I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished” (Matt. 5:18)? This seems to suggest that God didn’t only supply the words but the individual letters and strokes.”
I believe you may be confusing the Pentateuch with the Bible. The Pentateuch (first five books of the O.T.)comprises the Law of O.T. Judaism. Jesus was referring to the Pentateuch with this statement. If you look closely at the Hebrew textual variants, there are very few differences in scrolls from vastly different time periods, leading many (including myself) to conclude that God did indeed “dictate” the Law to Moses. The New Testament and other books of the O.T., however, show considerable variation among different versions of the same texts. So for any person to say that God wrote every letter of the Bible would require them to first state which manuscript they are referring to, and then give reason why that particular version is superior over all others, and is indeed the one written by God. One can try, but I don’t believe in such a way as to definitively prove one version better than all others. Now, with that out of the way, Jimmy Carter should probably stick to building houses and leave scriptural commentary to others. Peace.
Jimmy
You are 100% correct! Unfortunately I am sure we will hear from many that maintain since there is some basic grain of truth associated with the ‘Jimmy C bible’ then we should give it some credibility -
Real Manly Men Catholics recognize it as Hog Wash or Peanut Wash !
Someone writes…
“Regardless of Carter’s politics, he has always seemed to be a sincere Christian. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, especially on a CATHOLIC blog, if the blogger would practice CHARITY in his comments? We are none of us perfect.”
AND here IS one of the MAIN problems today - trying to lump Catholicism in with those who maintain they are “christian”
IT IS NOT THE SAME
I can’t help but come away from this article feeling if if said same book had been written by a republican that it the theological errors therein would be brushed off as simply being due to the fact that they where Protestant, or in the case of Rick Santorum because a failures in the Catholic church to catechize. In fact, I doubt this article would even exist. Yet because Carter is a) a democrat and b) a liberal, he’s fair game. Very sad indeed.
Forgive Mr. Carter, he must be dyslectic. He reads “God created man in his own image” and sees “Man creates God in the image he wants.” Former President Carter needs to stay out of things he’s not qualified to comment on.
After the hateful and anger filled remarks made by ex-President Carter about our beloved Blessed John Paul II I could not take seriously
anything he might have to offer concerning revelation on Divine Truth. This man showed his true prejudice against Catholics by comparing our late sainted Pope to the Ayatollah Komeini remarking there was no difference between them, meaning both were rigidly “stuck” in the Dark Ages regarding women, etc. He not only is thought to be the worst President but I personally think he does not come across as a well -versed-practicing Christian inspite of the outward show!
There is nothing more to say when faced with a situation in which there is a lack of love except, goodbye.
@Ronald King….There is such a thing as Christian compassion but there
is also a tendency toward mis-placing properly this virtue ...especially in the light of false teaching. The road to Hell as they say is paved with “good intentions”! While I think you meant well,( and there are others here)you are mixing up political correctness with Christian compassion. They are not one and the same! It is true Christian compassion to point out the serious errors that one can correctly attribute to Mr Carter’s attempts to “re-write” the Bible so that others may not follow him down this path of ignorance and arrogancy.
At least now his presidency is easier to understand.
This is the fruit of “private interpretation”.
Lovely article and comments from all the Catholics here - demeaning an accomplished fellow Christian who writes a book about his faith. Real nice example of Christian tolerance, kindness, and love for others. You people should be ashamed.
@Mark (Tuesday Mar 27, 2012 3:31 PM (EST)):
Mark, I agree with you, to a degree. Some commenters have been ungracious to former president Carter, at least in tone-of-voice.
On the other hand, one can’t allow concern about tone-of-voice to overwhelm the need to convey accurate information, which is what human communication is all about.
The accurate information needing to be conveyed about this study Bible is that Carter’s contributions are pretty dismally ignorant, often misleading, unlikely to be edifying for much of anyone, and not of a caliber to be worthy of inclusion within the same binding as Sacred Scripture.
His responses to interview questions (both recent ones prompted by the publication of this Bible, and earlier ones on various topics during the last few decades) do in fact reveal a man of kindhearted intent but rather poor analytical thinking skills and a profound unawareness of orthodox Christian beliefs.
Thus while we should all wish the former president well, we simultaneously hope and assume that he wishes the best for all persons and particularly for all Christians who might pick up this new Bible.
And what would be best for them would be that they receive accurate and edifying Christian instruction. Jimmy Carter seems unable to offer much in that area, so Jimmy Akin’s recommendation that his study Bible—or at least, Carter’s recommendations therein—be left permanently unread seems a charitable recommendation indeed.
Mark Writes…
“Lovely article and comments from all the Catholics here - demeaning an accomplished fellow Christian who writes a book about his faith. Real nice example of Christian tolerance, kindness, and love for others. You people should be ashamed.”
Mark - are you Catholic?
what the heck does “fellow christian” indicate - are you lumping Catholics in with Baptist - Methodist and other non-Catholics ?
if so - That is an incorrect thing to do - Catholicism was established by Christ…all the rest is man-made.
Mark—So in your world—Christians aren’t supposed to question, have minds, or opinions, make observations, correct errors, or even “instruct the ignorant”—as in Spiritual work of Mercy”? Interesting. But I cannot agree with you nor can I ignore a man that wallows in his prideful ignorance to the point of explaining to the unlearned what God really means. His damage is far worse than the few comments made here.
@Mark, Aren’t you the same Mark that thought the HHS mandate was a good thing? As recorded on another blog?
As I wrote at http://bedlamorparnassus.blogspot.com/2012/03/who-is-jimmy-carter.html, this makes the perfect case for why we need the Magisterium.
Mark, there are other Christian denominations that support abortion and same sex marriage. They even pull Bible verese to support their conclusions. So, per your logic, Catholics should just stand by quietly while this is happening, right? We shouldn’t challenge that, right? We’ll just let a misplaced sense of compassion and ecumenism prevent us from speaking up and correcting error.
New Yorker, you can speak up all you want, but that does not change hearts. Look at the readings for Palm Sunday, Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; then look at the silence of Jesus when being questioned by Pilate in Mark 14. Now go to John 17:20-26 and think about how we are to be with our sisters and brothers.
One may only pray that no one who is first trying to discover the Lord picks up this bible as a starting point. I can see not being overly critical if this was a cookbook, but it is a BIBLE!!!! Look what Luther did and what it has cost millions of Christians in their error?? Carter is an embarrassment in every thing he does. The sad thing is that he has turned so far from the Lord in his beliefs that we should pray he may have a true conversion before it is too late for him.
Dr Paul Cates writes: “I think Zondervan needs to be exposed for accepting such a manuscript.” Zondervan is a large, active religious publishing house which publishes many Bible commentaries. Were I Mr Carter I would have gone there.
and
“Seems they are more interested in the selling of books then putting out an accurate translation.”
That is a true statement. From the Watchtower magazine of 7/15/1979, p.27:
Ronald—you said “good bye” in an earlier post so let me assure you that I don’t mind if you wish to remain silent.
Ronald King, I read the passages. Please connect the dots for me. How are we to be with our brothers and sisters?
Re : Ussher:
Yah, Ussher’s figures are not a Bible passage. But aren’t they just simple addition of numbers which ARE in the Bible? Don’t the numbers in the context purport to accurately record the actual passage of time?
Not so easy to dismiss Ussher out of hand.
Protties often tell me that since the words ‘free will’ aren’t in the Bible that therefore ‘free will’ doesn’t exist. Please.
I don’t think the word ‘lungs’ is in the Bible either; does that mean God didn’t make them either?
But that’s the same kind of argument you make against Ussher here.
My fellow Catholics, Zondervan didn’t publish this NIV Lessons from Life Bible for us, so let’s be faithful to the Magisterium and stick to the best books available: always look for an Imprimatur. President Carter is an old Baptist Sunday School teacher whose reflections may be of interest to many Americans.
I’m a clergy convert, so here’s a suggestion from my personal experience… if a Protestant friend gives you this Bible, just smile with gratitude, and then re-gift it to the Salvation Army.
‘unless I’m reading this wrong, doesn’t it say that these are his “Personal Reflections?” He’s not claiming to be a Bible scholar…’
-
But he clearly accepts that role in the interview…
I don’t write treatises on serialism, or edit Urtext editions of Baroque works…and those are not even outside my field.
Yes, Carter is a “fellow Christian”, which is an accurate description unless I am greatly mistaken. If I’m wrong that Baptists, Methodists, and other Protestant strains of the faith are not Christian, please correct me. Different from Catholicism in many ways, granted, but at the core of it we all believe in Jesus and the message he brought. Yes, I’m a Catholic, and as such I blush at the hatred and intolerance on display here. If you lived by his example, you should too. When different sects of the same basic faith demean each other like this, it’s not only counterproductive and divisive, it is against the very message of Christ.
Contempt for a fellow Christian for his opinions that God inspired the authors of the Bible rather than writing it, the literal validity of stars falling to earth, or the actual age of the earth may be fun to write about for Akin. He devotes much of his time to poring over the mechanics of the pearly gates, looking to scripture to determine if Jesus was ugly, and how his trip to hell went, just to cite some recent articles. (Was Jesus ugly? Really, NC Register pays you to write stuff like this?) Demeaning anyone for beliefs that are truly impossible to know factually is the essence of anti-Christianity. It’s precisely this hateful mindset that is shared by those like the Sunni and Shia tribes in the Middle East, where petty differences over the same faith have created societies that are truly dangerous and atrocious.
Speaking of music references, a quote that ruffles many feathers came from a prominent Baroque violinist: “Fine dear, you play Bach your way, and I’ll play Bach his way.” Snobbish, perhaps, but funny. In truth, why do I need Jimmy Carter’s interpretation of the Bible when I believe Holy Mother Church is entrusted with God’s?
Lets start with the stars…stars DO fall to earth-not often but they do. Jimmy-they’re called METEORITES. I suppose anything from the sky can theoretically fall to planet earth. It’s just most don’t survive the trip.
This is like Mormons calling their “Book of Mormon” as equally inspired as much as the Bible (which is the King James Version…which even most main stream Christians use including Episcopalians).
I think this is just Carter’s interpretation (as bad as it is) on the Bible. Reflections, no intellect. Jimmy-when you go to a theological school-a Catholic one at that-then we’ll talk.
I didn’t like Carter when he was running for president and if I had been old enough to vote definitely wouldn’t have voted for him.
“if a Protestant friend gives you this Bible, just smile with gratitude, and then re-gift it to the Salvation Army.”
No you really cant do that because then you gave the protestant the impression taht you accepted his belief and he then learned nothing….
Lets recall that Christ made a whip and drove the pagans out ! Now there is a manly man!
Please pray for him. He needs some help, badly. Give him no publicity. Ignore him.
In our society, actors are experts in politics and politicians are expert in the Bible. Strange, isn’t it?
Yes, Carter is a “fellow Christian”, which is an accurate description unless I am greatly mistaken. If I’m wrong that Baptists, Methodists, and other Protestant strains of the faith are not Christian, please correct me. Different from Catholicism in many ways, granted, but at the core of it we all believe in Jesus and the message he brought. As a Catholic I blush at the hatred and intolerance on display here. When different sects of the same basic faith demean each other like this, it’s not only counterproductive and divisive, it is against the very message of Christ.
I haven’t read Carter’s book (nor do I plan to) but in the excerpts from the interview, it seems that he’s distinguishing his views from the Biblical literalists and those who insist that the earth is 6000 years old, that actual stars fell to earth, and that God put pen to paper and wrote every word of the Bible. There are many millions of Christians that believe this, and those views would be laughable if it wasn’t for their attempts to teach it to kids in school as science.
Atkin’s report should stand alone as a warning to those who read and/or write personal commentaries on the Bible and while I did enjoy the humour in some of the responses, the take-away from both is that we need to fully and actively engage in further and deeper study of scripture. There are many trustworthy on-line programmes and others which can be purchased for a reasonable sum. A serious student of the bible (and shouldn’t we all be that?)could do no better than get a copy of the Ignatius (N.T.) Study bible and slowly and meditatively go through it. Warning: you won’t be able to put it down and so I recommend re-reading it without using the references and then after that (it will take a couple of years) re-read it with notes and any other reference which you will (by then) have purchased. I might suggets the Jerome Commentary.
Hello everyone! I think it’s very important to critically critique Jimmy Carter’s book, and I applaud the author for doing so. He is calling his book “Lessons from Life BIBLE” (MAIN TITLE!) with the reflections part under the title in smaller font, like an after thought. So it is INDEED a bible by Jimmy Carter.
With so many people not familiar with the bible itself, and with so many of our youth being indoctrinated by our secular society, it is extremely dangerous when someone, regardless of who it is, writes their own bible. Can you say, “Let the heresy begin!” as this author is pointing out.
Jimmy Carter, like so many posters on here have realized, has created a bible that is what HE wants to believe, and dismissing or changing the parts that do not go along with is ideology. When will people figure out, you cannot put God into your own little box! God doesn’t work that way! But he does give you free will to either accept Him or reject Him. So, it’s Jimmy Carters way (and the COUNTLESS of others like him), or Gods. You choose.
Kathy—I agree with you. Carter will mislead anyone taking him seriously with his erroneous ideas. As I said earlier that does far more damage than anything negative said here.
Mark if you don’t like comments here then I suggest you go pray for everyone and especially those that read Carter’s ‘bible”.
@Mark…you need to read “The Catholic Controversy” by St. Francis De Sales.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Catholic-Controversy-Francis-Defense/dp/0895553872
How did he get to be President? That’s pretty simple…We did not elect him, the politicians did as they always do. Why is that? Again, pretty simple…they elect someone that they can control in order to be able to get their share of the PORK BARREL. Carter was a simple minded man who knew nothing about running the country and by the way he was Governor of Georgia which ranks dead last in corruption laws so that should tell you something about how his mind works…...
Reading through these comments, I still don’t understand the anger at Carter’s book. Has anyone even read it? It doesn’t appear that even Akin did, his comments are all directed at the transcript of an interview. Why would it anger people that someone has a different faith than Catholicism?
Google First Scandal.
“Reading through these comments, I still don’t understand the anger at Carter’s book.”
Mark, good point. Although some have both denigrated the book and the man, many others have denigrated only Carter’s reflections on scripture. Many who are complaining about uncharitable comments aren’t making this distinction either though, so it’s hard to agree or disagree.
“Has anyone even read it? It doesn’t appear that even Akin did, his comments are all directed at the transcript of an interview.”
I believe the whole purpose of the interview was to promote the book and give readers a taste of his viewpoints that would influence his reflections. If Carter’s reflections are in fact not heterodox, and I’m not saying they all are either, then he only has himself to blame for presenting himself in the way he did.
“Why would it anger people that someone has a different faith than Catholicism?”
It’s not so much anger at someone having different beliefs than Catholicism as it is someone presenting himself as an authority when he has no basis for that authority. I think it’s similar to Professor Gary Gutting of Notre Dame who wrote in The New York Times that “the immorality of birth control is no longer a teaching of the Catholic Church.” It’s one thing to say you don’t think birth control is immoral, but it’s far more nefarious to be speaking for the Magisterium. Similarly, in writing a “study bible”, Carter is presenting himself as an authority on Christian teaching.
@Mark: Has anyone even read it? It doesn’t appear that even Akin did, his comments are all directed at the transcript of an interview
Thank you for this statement. Whilst I too have not read it, this book appears to be nothing more than President Carter’s own personal reflections. Unlike our Holy Father, Mr Carter does not speak infallibly, and therefore his statements should be seen as being solely his own. Cannot the same be of Mother Angelica’s book “Mother Angelica’s Private and Pithy Lessons from the Scriptures”—a book which I must say I love and has given me much comfort.
Curious thought to my mind is how many articles Jimmy has written about the fallacies spoken and written by Pat Robertson, who tried for the office once held by Mr Carter.
@ Mark…Your insistance that critiquing a literary work of the former President is un-Christian is not defensible. How would you charactize Mr Carter’s most un-flattering (to say the least)recent comments about the late Pope John Paul II? Was it un-Christian of him to compare the Pope to the Ayatollah Komeini? How could he logically let alone charitably slander the man who more than any other helped to bring down the evil empire of the USSR? Many would find such a statement reprehensible if not un-Christian. Mr Carter can write his own reflections about the Bible but if he publishes them he can be critiqued as any other author. It is not un-Christian to state this man’s opinion or reflections do not meet sufficiently the truths of Divine Revelation for everyone. And it is not being un-Christian to defend our Holy Father against such slander. Perhaps it is not so much your Christian sensitivities being offended as your political allegience and ideology.
A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.
Thirst forTruth——thank you for expressing what I was prepared to point out. I think Mark wants us CATHOLICS to be zombies and never use our brains to dispute heresy. Yes. Mark must have been a supporter of Mr. Carter. Carter with his gargantuan ego, had the audacity to scold the Pope and tell the Vicar of Christ how to run the Church. So will I hesitate to make comments on an incompetent “writer” and failed president? NO! Carter still vies for attention and this is what he gets when he self appoints himself as an authority on every subject.
Thirsty: I agree, any author’s work is fair game for criticism. However I think the minimum requirement for such criticism should be to have actually read the work, that’s what is not defensible. So is Carter’s criticism of the Pope anti-Christian? Probably yes, at least the hyperbolic crack comparing him to Khomeini. But this is not mentioned in the article, only you brought it up.
It’s perfectly fine to defend the Pope, or anybody, for unjust criticism. It’s a whole other thing to state that their views “do not meet sufficiently the truths of Divine Revelation”. Arguments that other doctrines of faith are demonstrably untrue are as boring and pointless as arguments between the religious and atheists. There’s no real “proof” of either position. The only thing that offends my “Christian sensitivities” are Christians that deride the numerous other forms of Christianity. If having comfort in your faith requires you to deny the validity of others, especially Christians, you have a long, sad and bitter task on your hands. And worse, it smacks of intolerance, bigotry, and is against the teachings of Jesus.
I have zero political allegiance with Carter, but I would note that his lifetime of living and practicing his Christian faith and truly heroic charitable works are admirable. Let someone here who has done more cast the first stone. Contrast Carter’s views and deeds with the Catholics now running for president, who differ from both Carter and the Vatican in their support for the death penalty, torture, and pre-emptive war just to name a few.
PS - that’s it Patt, keep up the hate.
Mark—who appointed you as the thought police, passing judgment on who qualifies as"Christian”—-in your opinion? Next you even accuse me of hatred, which was very unchristian. I guess you feel you are the only one entitled to an opinion, but life doesn’t work that way, so get used to it.
Just a quick suggestion Patt. When you write a dissenting reply to someone’s post, try to have a point, or at least avoid making things up. Help me out here, because I can’t determine exactly where I passed judgment on who qualifies as Christian. I just assumed it as a given that religions that worship Christ were Christians. Please tell me who or which religions you consider Christian, always willing to learn.
I’ll leave it to others to determine if your Carter references such as “failed president”, “gargantuan ego”, “incompetent writer” and “wallows in his prideful ignorance” are Christian or hateful.
“Jimmy is only acting as any Protestant would, being his own interpreter of the Scriptures.”
Any Jimmy Carter is the dope? Statements like this show many Catholics complete isolation from “Protestants.”
What Carter is here showing is not even really Biblical interpretation. It is Modernism. Catholics are practicing that by the boatloads now as well. Go read Bud Kaiser.
Mark uses the same technique in all his commentary, not just here: divide, distract, diminish, depress, dilute, discourage… and his favorite technique is to accuse others of “hate”.
Hey David, refreshing to see you forming sentences again rather than cutting and pasting scripture. Do you have anything insightful to add or did you just chime in to remind us you’re an engineer and that it’s verboten to entertain thoughts out of line with the magisterium? (How ironic that Patt accused me of being the “thought police”)
Churches will often have a stained glass window with a picture of a dog chasing it’s tail…...
Mark, thanks for the suggestion—my for you is—- get a life.
David, as usual you create a fuss, respond with inapt metaphors, and dodge the question.
Patt: ouch, zinger. Thanks for the non-answer. But I have a pretty good idea of what it would be anyways.
Aha! In a radio interview with Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, former President Carter “speaks warmly of his love for the Bible, but he also reveals a view of the Bible’s inspiration and authority that rejects inerrancy and opens the door for what he describes as a “selective” application of the Scriptures when it comes to many issues.”
http://www.albertmohler.com/2012/03/26/the-bible-meets-the-modern-age-a-conversation-with-former-president-jimmy-carter-2/
Mark—my comments were descriptive of Mr. Carter, your presidential choice. Bet you voted for Obama too. If you are such a wonderful Christian yourself then let it go.. but I doubt you will. You have to have the last word or you won’t sleep at night. So enjoy yourself.
Stop for second! Re-read some of the ad-hominem comments made against other commentators and President Carter in this thread. Satan is enjoying this as he sees us as Christians and Catholics bashing the poo out of each other over what has an “us versus them” mentality based upon Democrat versus Republican/ (politically) Liberal versus Conservative/ Catholic versus Protestant lines at its core. Deep down inside this debate, that is what is really causing this rancor. If indeed they shall know we are Christians by our love, no wonder so many are falling away, for who would want to be a part of any faith whose adherents are fired with such anger and hate.
Defender - my point exactly.
I’m surprised at the lack of civility people are showing to President Carter.
He is a person whom God loves, but it seems that people are responding to this man in a way that is different from God’s love.
To David’s post of March 27,‘12 7:39(est). Many thanks for your sound and coherent thoughts re Jimmy Carter’s responses to Mr. Raushenbush’ questions on Carter’ ‘new bible study book’. I thought Disney’s Loony Tunes was a think of the past.
I agree Mr. Martinez—DAVID SAID IT BEST ON THAT POST.
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