LIFE SENTENCE

by Charles W. Colson

The sequel to Colson's best-seller, Born Again, this book reveals how he began a new life and his struggle to begin a new ministry.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, History, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

306 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1979

About the author

Almost 40 years ago, Charles W. Colson was not thinking about reaching out to prison inmates or reforming the U.S. penal system. In fact, this aide to President Richard Nixon was "incapable of humanitarian thought," according to the media of the mid-1970s. Colson was known as the White House "hatchet man," a man feared by even the most powerful politicos during his four years of service to Nixon.

When news of Colson's conversion to Christianity leaked to the press in 1973, The Boston Globe reported, "If Mr. Colson can repent of his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody." Colson would agree.

In 1974 Colson entered a plea of guilty to Watergate-related charges; although not implicated in the Watergate burglary, he voluntarily pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in the Daniel Ellsberg Case. He entered Alabama's Maxwell Prison in 1974 as a new Christian and as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges. He served seven months of a one- to three-year sentence.

After leaving prison, Colson founded Prison Fellowship Ministries in 1976, which has since become the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. Today, Colson remains a member of the board of Prison Fellowship Ministries.

A sought-after speaker, Colson has written more than 30 books, which collectively have sold more than 5 million copies. His autobiographical book, Born Again, was one of the nation's best-selling books of all genres in 1976. Another bestseller, co-authored by Nancy Pearcey, How Now Shall We Live, is considered one of the most important books written on the subject of Christian worldview. His most recent book, The Faith, is a powerful appeal to the Church to re-embrace the foundational truths of Christianity.

In 1991 Colson launched BreakPoint, a unique radio commentary that provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends. BreakPoint is currently aired weekdays to more than 1,300 outlets nationwide that reach and estimated 2 million listeners.

Today Colson is focused full time on developing other Christian leaders who can influence the culture and their communities through their faith. The capstone of this effort is The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, an online research and training center launched in 2009 for the promotion of Christian worldview teaching. In addition to a vast library of worldview materials, the Colson Center provides online courses and serves as a catalyst for a growing movement of Christian organizations dedicated to impacting the culture. The Colson Center website also hosts Colson's popular weekly Two-Minute Warning video commentary aimed at engaging a younger generation with a biblical perspective on cultural issues.

In 2009, Colson was a principal writer of the Manhattan Declaration, which calls on Christians to defend the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage and religious freedom. Nearly half a million people have signed the Manhattan Declaration. Collaborating with other Christian ministries, BreakPoint aims to launch other ecumenical grassroots movements around moral and ethical issues of great concern.

In recognition of his work, Colson received the prestigious Templeton Prize for progress in religion in 1993, donating the $1 million prize to Prison Fellowship. Colson's other awards have included the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor (2008); the Humanitarian Award from Dominos Pizza Corporation (1991); The Others Award from The Salvation Army (1990); the Outstanding Young Man of Boston from the Boston Chamber of Commerce (1960); and several honorary doctorates from various colleges and universities (1982-2000).

Reviews

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't read Chuck Colson's first book, "Born Again", you should read that one before "Life Sentence". This book continues the story begun in Born Again with the events surrounding the beginning of the Prison Fellowship Ministries. The sad truth is that prisons don't rehabilitate those who break the law. More often than not they produce criminals who are more hardened and more of a menace to society upon their release from prison than when they entered. Prisons are often overcrowded, dehumanizing and dangerous. I think it's safe to say that Prison Fellowship and its sister organizations have done more to reform prisons and the criminal justice system than any other single organization. They have demonstrated a powerful combination of the Evangelical and Social Justice traditions of Christianity to redeem lost souls and wasted lives.

This book is very honest and humble as well as inspiring. Chuck Colson is honest about his own failings and those he sees among Evangelical Christians (with whom he identifies). He was often treated very badly by the news media and others, but his love for prisoners and commitment to Jesus Christ allow him to take such incidents as lessons from a loving God to help him grow in character and in spirit. Chuck Colson's example of love, devotion and integrity should be considered carefully by everyone. Even after 25 years this book is well worth reading.

[Kcoloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This "sequel" to BORN AGAIN describes the founding of Prison Fellowship. Colson is both brutally honest about his weaknesses and failures, and quick to express appreciation for God's mercy and the many people who reached out to him and supported him spiritually and in the prison ministry. He was still a relatively new Christian when he wrote the book, and I was struck by the fact that the sociopolitical issues and moral dilemmas Colson struggled against 40 years ago are still stumbling blocks and fields of labor for Christians today.

[Kodi]

I thouroughly enjoyed this book. It made me realize how judgemental I've been. I now completely understand the importance of acceptance, forgiveness, testimony, and being open to what God has planned for us. I am very proud of Mr. Colson for making such a difference in the lives of these prisoners, and the lives of their families. I believe in the work of Prison Ministries, and pray that they will continue to work with these prisoners and show them the hope they've never known.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Colson and enjoyed this book about the steps leading to the Prison Fellowship ministry, early days, continued setbacks, but lots of stories of successes as well as failures. The focus was on the people in the ministry -- early encouragers, prisoners. Colson showed extreme humility in sharing his struggles and disappointments. "The disciple is like an ambassador; the longer he serves, the fewer cables and instructions need be sent from the State Department."

[Clint Morey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books I think every Christian should read.
How do you hear God's voice? How do you know His will for your life? How do you deal with people who disagree with you or even oppose you?
Chuck Colson struggles with those questions and others as he seeks to live the Christian life.

[Helenly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the "sequel" to Born Again. Born Again ends with Chuck Colson leaving prison. Life Sentence is about how he actually starts Prison Fellowship. It really draws you in and you feel like you were there with him. I especially appreciated his honesty about the mistakes that he made.

[Joe]

good followup on Colson's book Born Again (which I have not read btw). Good bio on a man and his growing relationship God, his wife, family, and those he sought to help in prison. A good portrait of a man in the midst of change, challenge and ... the rest I add when I finish the book

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! Interesting read, convicting thoughts, amazing relevance after so many years, great insights into history and prison. I was amazed at how he revealed his flaws and defeats, as well as his strengths and victories.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving and informative book as I didn't know much about Mr. Colson's early days post-Watergate. The change in him is evident and genuine. I could tell Almighty God has been performing a great work in and through his life. Definitely recommend this book.

[John Maxham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tremendous book that has helped me to understand the importance of prison ministry and how much we need to do for the criminal system of our country.

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the deeply moving and rigorously honest second part of Chuck Colson‘s story as he begins his work with prison ministry. The ideas in this book are emotionally inspiring and intellectually challenging, urging us to really think about what it means to have justice, mercy, love, and Hope. The book asks a difficult question. If we believe that people can change through Christ salvation, what are we willing to do to help them both to find Christ and to live life outside of prison if they are released?

[Eric Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Circa 2012- "Following the life of Chuck Colson after prison, not only an amazing story but beautiful account of the growth walking with Christ."

The ground work for the life of crime and unethical conduct that we've seen now in Trump's reign and fall out from power and the possible recapturing of it.

[Tina Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I was struck by the honesty of Mr. Colson. As a Christian reading this book, proceed with caution. Your understanding of being a "born again Christian" will be challenged. Quotes from great men in history are interspersed as salt before the chapter's meal. I had to read some sections two or three times to grasp the ideal, then hold my life up to the Light and look into my own soul.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as Born Again.

[Greg Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Tells the story of how Prison Ministry began! So much was overcome by Gods hand!