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My Final Word: Holding Tight to the Issues that Matter Most
One of the most respected and influential Christian leaders of the last several decades, Chuck Colson engaged millions through his books, public speaking, and radio broadcasts. In My Final Word , longtime Colson coauthor Anne Morse has selected and arranged pieces Colson wrote mostly during the last decade of his life, spotlighting what he saw as key topics of ongoing importance for Christian cultural engagement. Some of these issues Longtime readers and new readers alike will be struck by the power and immediacy of Colson’s arguments. My Final Word is a fitting end to Colson’s distinguished publishing career, a behind-the-scenes encounter with an influential thinker, and a needed call to an ongoing and relevant Christian public witness.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2015
20 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Charles W. Colson
135 books192 followersAlmost 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).
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).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 28, 2016
It is hard to believe that this godly man has been gone from this earth for more than four years. I know God's providence is for our good, but losing Chuck Colson is such a blow to the Christian community.
Reading all of these essays reminded me of his prophetic voice. He would not be surprised to see how our world reflects many of the changes he predicted. It is true that these are not all the cream of the crop as other reviewers have pointed out, but nevertheless his genius shines through in this book.
I was admonished and encouraged by reading his words and am thankful this volume was put together for us.
Reading all of these essays reminded me of his prophetic voice. He would not be surprised to see how our world reflects many of the changes he predicted. It is true that these are not all the cream of the crop as other reviewers have pointed out, but nevertheless his genius shines through in this book.
I was admonished and encouraged by reading his words and am thankful this volume was put together for us.
August 3, 2017
My Final Word is a collection of essays and memos written by Chuck Colson in the last years of his life. They are compiled into chapters by theme - apologetics, Islam, persecution, etc. He tackled a lot of the current cultural trends in America in a very honest way. Many of his insights are very memorable and worth thinking about. While I don't agree with everything in the book, it's a good read.
November 17, 2020
3.5 stars - I rounded up to 4 since Colson is one of my long-time favorites. I agree with another review that said this is like those albums that are released posthumously when a musician dies - there is a reason the music wasn't released previously. In this case, this is not Colson's best work - you can tell that some of the articles were just his first draft thoughts on a matter and not refined at all. But there are some gems in here, as well. The articles get better in the middle and towards the end. Chapters 5 and 6 were the best (on Crime/Justice and Happiness). I enjoyed the book, even with its shortcomings, and I think most Colson admirers will too.
October 30, 2023
Just finished reading this.. I have come to the conclusion that I need to read all of Chuck Colsons books. Excellent read!
December 28, 2016
Originally probably would have rated it 4 stars however after discussions with friends I've realized his straightforward, black and white manner could be difficult for some readers to get past potentially turning them off from the larger points he was making.
July 19, 2021
First: I bought this at Book Outlets Clearance sale. Had not heard of Colson. This was a blind pick for me
He is quite opinionated, and I didn't feel as if he were humble. I do appreciate his stance on homosexuality, and I chuckled when he spoke of Bill Gates.
He drops a lot of White House names, and spoke of his prison ministry, that I'm going to look up.
I'm going to donate the book.
He is quite opinionated, and I didn't feel as if he were humble. I do appreciate his stance on homosexuality, and I chuckled when he spoke of Bill Gates.
He drops a lot of White House names, and spoke of his prison ministry, that I'm going to look up.
I'm going to donate the book.
March 20, 2018
This book of advice was so great I want to read it again. Colson was a giant of the twentieth century.
Read
August 19, 2021I have not. Read it yet!
June 15, 2023
The book contains articles that Colson wrote over his lifetime. The message is still relevant today.
March 26, 2025
I tabled this book several times (over 2 year frame), re-starting it from page 1 each time. Why? Because I needed to find a life space that was less cluttered to get into a book this deep. Colson is a thinker, and I had to get myself into that same cerebral space to attempt to absorb everything he had to say.
I remembered listening to his "BreakPoint" daily radio vignette many times over the 30+ years it aired. ...and a good bit of the material in this volume was collected from those "BreakPoint" scripts.
I do suggest you take the time to "think through" this posthumously published work. (Charles passed away in 2012, and this book was published in 2015; thus the title "My Final Word.")
Colson is a masterful communicator and very convincing "speaker" (author) - I didn't initially think that I completely agreed with a few of his viewpoints, but as I read (and re-read) he won me over.
One final point that is critical to understanding this work is that the Charles Colson who authored these "viewpoints" was a completely different man from the Colson convicted (and as he readily admits "guilty as charged") in the 'Watergate' mess of the early 70's. - Jesus Christ had completely changed Charles and his worldview. (that story can be found in Colson's autobiography "Born Again")
Chuck is passionate about the subjects in "My Final Word" - and it shows.
I remembered listening to his "BreakPoint" daily radio vignette many times over the 30+ years it aired. ...and a good bit of the material in this volume was collected from those "BreakPoint" scripts.
I do suggest you take the time to "think through" this posthumously published work. (Charles passed away in 2012, and this book was published in 2015; thus the title "My Final Word.")
Colson is a masterful communicator and very convincing "speaker" (author) - I didn't initially think that I completely agreed with a few of his viewpoints, but as I read (and re-read) he won me over.
One final point that is critical to understanding this work is that the Charles Colson who authored these "viewpoints" was a completely different man from the Colson convicted (and as he readily admits "guilty as charged") in the 'Watergate' mess of the early 70's. - Jesus Christ had completely changed Charles and his worldview. (that story can be found in Colson's autobiography "Born Again")
Chuck is passionate about the subjects in "My Final Word" - and it shows.
January 18, 2016
My Final Word is a compilation of Chuck Colson’s writings never published before his sudden death in 2012. Colson is well known for his place in Nixon’s presidency and his time in jail as a result of the Watergate shenanigans. Chuck Colson came to know Christ, admitted his guilt and served his time. He was touched by the many needs of those in jail and vowed to help them. And he did that, building a valuable Christian ministry, Prison Fellowship, which has changed the lives of many, many people. He has written many Christian books including Born Again, Loving God, and How Now Shall We Live. He also began a regular radio broadcast – Breakpoint in which he shared his thinking about the Christian Worldview.
The topics covered in the book include: crime and punishment, natural law, Islam, same-sex marriage, the persecution of Christians and more. It’s amazing how prophetic Colson’s words are especially about the persecution of Christians and the need for the church to be prepared to do battle. An interesting comment he makes is that both Christians and Muslims do bad things. But he says, “There’s a fundamental difference. When Christians do bad things it’s contrary to their belief system. When radical Islamists do them, it’s consistent with their belief system.” My Final Word is well worth reading as the last words of a brilliant, outstanding Christian.
The topics covered in the book include: crime and punishment, natural law, Islam, same-sex marriage, the persecution of Christians and more. It’s amazing how prophetic Colson’s words are especially about the persecution of Christians and the need for the church to be prepared to do battle. An interesting comment he makes is that both Christians and Muslims do bad things. But he says, “There’s a fundamental difference. When Christians do bad things it’s contrary to their belief system. When radical Islamists do them, it’s consistent with their belief system.” My Final Word is well worth reading as the last words of a brilliant, outstanding Christian.
August 27, 2015
After bookstore hopping with my brother in Denver a couple years ago, I came across two of Chuck Colson’s books: Born Again and Loving God. I had never read any Colson. Both books were excellent, especially Colson’s story (Born Again) of becoming a Christian during/after Watergate and turning his life over to God. Loving God is a great testimony of God’s love and Colson’s teaching of how to live as a Christian. When I heard this summer that “My Final Word” was set for release in August, I pre-ordered right away. I am glad a did!
This volume is page after page of wisdom from Colson himself, on a variety of topics: Church and culture, Islam, Happiness, Crime Punishment and Justice, Homosexality and the Church, Suffering, among others. It wraps up with a chapter and his thoughts on the War of the Worldviews. I found myself grabbing a highlighter with each short essay underlining bits of wisdom and thinking “That is what I believe too” as a Christian, or “I need to learn more about that” in the Bible or “that is an excellent defense of my faith”. I plan to type up the key passages for continuous use in study and my faith walk.
This volume is page after page of wisdom from Colson himself, on a variety of topics: Church and culture, Islam, Happiness, Crime Punishment and Justice, Homosexality and the Church, Suffering, among others. It wraps up with a chapter and his thoughts on the War of the Worldviews. I found myself grabbing a highlighter with each short essay underlining bits of wisdom and thinking “That is what I believe too” as a Christian, or “I need to learn more about that” in the Bible or “that is an excellent defense of my faith”. I plan to type up the key passages for continuous use in study and my faith walk.
August 16, 2015
states of conscience with Buddhism, forgiveness and healing unique to Christianity, overcome evil with good, higher authority vs authority of man, anti-truth bias, faith and reason together, good people doing humane things no truth eugenics and sanger eliminate disabled 5 year swing in Germany with a weak church, on similar trajectory to 30’s, Christians against logic of world, amuse ourselves to death and destroy family, science is and morality is ought be, Declaration got freedom right, when it breaks down it will be order over liberty, need to dismantle corrupt system, conscience as moral knowledge, restitution not imprisonment, fear respect God and 10 Commandments, depend on person on your left and right, crime up good times and down in tuff times, need for more responsible behavior in all things, more you have more unhappy you are, if stop believing God you will believe anything, decadence of west inflames islam, free countries must have foundation of political freedom and economic freedom and moral consensus to prosper as a 3 leg stool, despair is surrender of faith.
January 23, 2016
I've read other books by Charles Colson and quite enjoyed them, so I thought I would pick up this one since he had passed away in 2012. It was a good read but I wouldn't say great. It reminds me of how record companies suddenly release old never before heard songs by a group like the Beatles. Everyone busy it because, well... it's the Beatles, but there was a reason why they were never released originally. I feel a bit the same way with this book. It wasn't the best of Charles Colson, but it was worth reading.
There are 12 sections of different topics (i.e. Islam, bioethics, suffering etc...) and each section has short devotional like readings. It is obviously slanted towards an American audience with references to their political issues and decisions. What I like about this book is that it models how one person seriously and intellectually grapples with allowing the Christian worldview to influence how one thinks in all areas of life. I did not agree with everything but I really appreciated the desire behind his writing and reflections.
There are 12 sections of different topics (i.e. Islam, bioethics, suffering etc...) and each section has short devotional like readings. It is obviously slanted towards an American audience with references to their political issues and decisions. What I like about this book is that it models how one person seriously and intellectually grapples with allowing the Christian worldview to influence how one thinks in all areas of life. I did not agree with everything but I really appreciated the desire behind his writing and reflections.
January 18, 2024
This compilation of some of Colson's thoughts and ideas in the last 10 years or so of his life are very insightful. I am reminded just how intelligent he was. While he was definitely a polarizing figure - there is no denying the good work he did through Prison Fellowship or the sincerity of his Christian Faith.
What struck me most about his writing - is how spot on he was about what was happening to the culture and political climate in the US and where it was all heading. None of what is going on today would have surprised Chuck. The division, the hatred toward anyone who would publicly proclaim Christian values - especially when addressing marriage, abortion, gender and the like. This will be one that I revisit from time to time!
What struck me most about his writing - is how spot on he was about what was happening to the culture and political climate in the US and where it was all heading. None of what is going on today would have surprised Chuck. The division, the hatred toward anyone who would publicly proclaim Christian values - especially when addressing marriage, abortion, gender and the like. This will be one that I revisit from time to time!
December 27, 2016
The ideas and arguments presented in this book are must-knows for any American Christian living in the 21st century. The book is organized as a series of memos or short essays, which makes it very easy pick up and put back down. You can certainly find more comprehensive works out there on the Biblical Christian Worldview, but this is helpful either as an introduction or a summary. It may assume some background, but you can access a lot of secondary resources through the footnotes or find them at the Colson Center website. If you're wondering how a Christian responds to any odd number of topics that come up in today's public discourse, I highly recommend giving the book a read.
August 13, 2015
The Best of Colson
Christian worldview at its best! Each topic presented in a concise, powerful way. This should be on your bookcase right next to J.I. Packer's. "Concise Theology" for future reference. I look forward to using it as a study in two men's groups.
Christian worldview at its best! Each topic presented in a concise, powerful way. This should be on your bookcase right next to J.I. Packer's. "Concise Theology" for future reference. I look forward to using it as a study in two men's groups.
September 16, 2015
This book is a collection of Chuck Colson's writings that have not been published previously. It covers a diverse array of topics, all written in the author's unique style. Deep, clear and logical thinking presented in a highly readable fashion. I highly recommend it.
Want to read
August 10, 2015Metaxas interview 7-31-15
March 22, 2017
I won't say I agree with all of Mr. Colson's thoughts, but I will say this is a very thought-provoking book and made me think and question what I believe. I think we always have to be open to new information and being able to change our existing belief system as we learn and grow. It's well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews