This is your place to publicly comment on the topics and issues addressed in Speaking of Faith programs. React in a personal way, and put into words what this program meant to you.

Submit Your Reflection about "The Private Faith of Jimmy Carter."

True Definition of Jihad (April 29, 2007)
May God bless you Krista for speaking with President Jimmy Carter. I am an Ahmadee Muslim from Pakistan, and I can sleep at night in peace knowing that there are people like President Carter who represent the true teachings of Jesus (peace be upon him). President Carter represents Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and all other religions that promote humanity and peace. May God bless President Carter and his entire family. The true definition of jihad is to spread the word and message of love and peace and create order, and you have done that this morning and President Carter continues to do that very beautifully.

Sami Shafiq
Pembroke Pines, FL (WLRN, 91.3 FM)

A Small and Subtle Bias (April 29, 2007)
The entire interview was fascinating, informative, and very interesting. However I would like to critique on the introduction to Mr. Carter, when the writer/host mentioned his recent book: Palestine Peace Not Apartheid. When giving the brief background to the book, I felt that it was described in a biased negative light. The writer/host first described the book as being "controversial," talked about how members of the Carter Center Board resigned in protest to the book, and how Evangelical leaders dismissed the book as "anti-Israel" and "factually deceptive/incorrect."

Granted, the program was focused on Mr. Carter's religious and spiritual views and not his views on Middle East policy. However, there was no thing positive that was mentioned in the same breath of the "Palestine" book by the writer/host. For example, nothing was mentioned of how it was praised by many human rights organizations and university professors, or the book making The NY Times' Poli-Book Best Seller, and Mr. Carter's successful public speaking tour of the book.

I personally felt that in relation to Palestine Peace Not Apartheid, the writer/host came off as being much biased and approved of the book's chastisement, rather than to be neutral and lay both sides of the argument for the listener. I would highly urge that the staff at Speaking of Faith/American Public Media address this issue. Although I consider myself a dedicated listener, I have been thinking twice about my dedicated listenership and support to NPR and KPCC 89.3.

Kim Nazel
Orange County, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

Exemplifies Forgiveness (April 29, 2007)
President Carter continues to put a shine on and a gentler face back onto our nation and abroad. It sorrows me that peacemaking is sometimes labeled unpatriotic — first strike, unprovoked aggression, something we are proud of. I cannot help but think that the timely release of the hostages was not politically engineered by some powerful Republicans, but Mr. Carter has never breathed a word of resentment or suspicion.

Nancy Stier
Apple Valley, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)

Insightful Look (April 29, 2007)
I thought it was great. Not often do we get such an insightful look at one who held our highest political office. His strong religious faith and warmth as a human being really came through. If I may offer one hopefully constructive suggestion, it would be to edit out his use of the word "crusade" in his discussion of our going into Afghanistan. Keep up the good work.

Bob Seaver
Tolland, CT (WNPR, 88.9 FM)

Wished You Would've Followed Up (April 29, 2007)
I listen to your program often and enjoy you and your approach a great deal. The topics and people are insightful and often inspiring. I have always been an enormous supporter of Jimmy Carter. I believed in and supported him when he was president and have been tremendously inspired by his work over the years since. However, I found it a bit disturbing in the interview that, during the section when discussing the hostage crisis [in Iran], it was not mentioned by either of you the failed military attempt to rescue the 52.

I've never, in all these years, once viewed that action as a failure of his or our country's. We made an attempt and there is much to be said for that. However, in our current times of war, when young men and women are in continuous military combat and dying every day, I found it to be, quite frankly, irresponsible of the two of you to ignore that most significant element of that entire affair. During your interview, in many respects, I found Mr. Carter to be speaking on an emotional level and certainly your questions placed him there. To not address, at the very least, his feelings toward that unfortunate mishap I feel (obviously it struck a chord) was an injustice. Thank you for this opportunity - and keep up the great work.

Jack Gambardella
New Haven, CT (WSHU, 88.9 FM)

Love - Our Greatest Asset (April 29, 2007)
I admire former President Jimmy Carter for his courage to stand true to his faith. I admire him for being able to make decisions as president that were not always popular with the public. When the Iranians took American hostages, Jimmy Carter stood by what he believed was the right thing to do. He brought the hostages home safely. He resisted political advice that went against his beliefs and values, even if it cost him the presidency.

Jimmy Carter was not driven by success in the political arena. He said that in the eyes of God, success isn't dependent on education, I.Q., or even a big bank account. He said "love is the essence of success." This is so true. Often times we lose sight of what's really important and how we can make a difference in the lives of others.

Jimmy Carter is a big promoter of peace. He said that all religions share the same principles. They favor peace; they promote generosity, humility and alleviation of suffering. So why is it then that we cannot get along? Former President Carter believes this is due to individuals who believe that they have a unique relationship with God and that their beliefs are infallible. They are right and everyone else is wrong. I agree with this. I don't see how individuals, who are so filled with hate, can possibly claim to have a relationship with God and be acting on religious motives.

I do believe that love is our greatest asset. God is about love, not violence and hatred. He wants us to love one another and set aside our differences. As Jimmy reminds us, we should never go to bed angry. We should have it in our hearts to forgive one another, just as God forgives us. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and through our faith in him; we are all saved by the grace of God. God wants us to imitate him in our daily lives. Maybe we need to make it a point to regularly ask ourselves in every situation, "What Would Jesus Do?"

Donna Melody
Plymouth, MN (Listens to SOF OnDemand)

At Ease (April 28, 2007)
I enjoyed your interview of President Jimmy Carter. The president seemed to be at ease and was able to express himself fully and not in "sound bite" fashion. I look forward to your Saturday program. Thank you.

Frank Gosztyla
Piscataway, NJ (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Withdrawn (April 28, 2007)
I am disappointed that you chose to interview Jimmy Carter in light of his anti-Israeli book. I will not contribute to WNYC next year.

Brenda Wilder
New York, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Compliments (April 27, 2007)
Terrific interview!

Andrew Miller
Terre Haute, IN (Listens to SOF Podcast)