Jimmy Carter and Position on Women

Jimmy Carter fails to distinguish between the EQUALITY of women and men (in Christ) with the distinct ROLES of women and men (in Christ). Galatians 3:28 is a passage which speaks to the equality, while many other passages (Eph 5:22, Gen 3:16, Col 3:18, Titus 2:5, etc.) speak to difference in roles. A passage which speaks to both the dignity of women and difference in role is 1 Peter 3:5-7.

Carter's own words show his failure to distinguish between these differences when he states: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable." Surely, while we are to recognize the equality of women and girls when it comes to their being created in the image of God, does not his own statement suggest there are differences, and should we not recognize difference in roles (even while recognizing equality as persons)?

Carter's own statement - "Although not having training in religion or theology..." explains alot.

Cal Thomas's article "Theological Makeovers" in World Magazine is worth the read.

Also worth the read is the blog post by Al Mohler where he states:

All this fits a pattern for which Mr. Carter is now well known. He simply rejects the texts in the Bible that clearly establish different roles for men and women in the church and the home. He dismisses these verses for the simple reason that he also rejects the inerrancy of the Bible.

(See below for verses)


Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

Genesis 3:16 o the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."

Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Titus 2:5 o be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

1 Peter 3:5-7 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. 7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

... Interesting, isn't it, that Jimmy Carter doesn't mention or deal with any of these verses!