Remembering President Jimmy Carter (Part I)

In 'Keeping the Faith', Brenda Wineapple delves into the early years of the twentieth century to illuminate the pivotal 1925 Scopes trial. This trial, which captivated the nation, exposed profound divisions in America over issues such as the meaning of freedom, religion, education, censorship, and civil liberties. The book focuses on the legal showdown between Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, and it explores how these conflicts continue to resonate in contemporary America. Wineapple also examines the broader historical context, including racism, intolerance, and the rise of fundamentalism, and how these factors intersected with the debate over evolution and its teaching in public schools.

In 'The Turning Point', Fritjof Capra examines the scientific and economic crises of the modern world through the lens of systems theory. He argues that the Cartesian, Newtonian, and reductionist paradigms are inadequate for guiding human behavior and policy in the face of contemporary challenges. Capra advocates for a new vision of reality that incorporates holistic principles, integrating Western and Eastern approaches to psychology, psychotherapy, and ecology. The book addresses various fields including physics, biology, psychology, and economics, and proposes a future economic philosophy that is fundamentally humanistic and ecological.

In 'The Virtues of Aging,' Jimmy Carter shares his wisdom and personal experiences on growing older. The book delves into various aspects of aging, including planning for retirement, maintaining health through diet and exercise, coping with age prejudice, and the importance of family relationships. Carter also reflects on his happy marriage to Rosalynn and shares lessons learned from world leaders, Nobel laureates, and great thinkers he has encountered. The book celebrates the blessings of aging and the contributions older people can make to society, written with gentleness, humor, and love.

In 'Living Faith,' President Jimmy Carter draws on his experience of reading from scripture and sharing his personal faith with his community at his Baptist church in Plains, Georgia. The book is filled with stories of people whose lives have touched his, including lessons learned from world leaders like Prime Minister Menachim Begin and President Anwar Sadat, as well as from ordinary individuals. Carter discusses how faith has guided him in his life, including his time in politics, his work with the Carter Center, and his personal relationships. The book emphasizes the importance of faith in enriching public and private lives through compassion, reconciliation, and service to others.