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

Paperback

Published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Paul Dubuc]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Joseph Asher]

Since I was a prison chaplain for the Indiana Department of Corrections, Chuck Colson's book on prison ministry and the way he approached the founding of Prison Fellowship is very interesting!

The incarcerated are some of the most hopeless on the face of the earth. But God loves the lost and broken, and seeks to restore them to a life worth living. Prison Fellowship was designed by founder Colson to bring the love of God to all suffering from the devastation of prison. His Christian organization enters the darkest hell holes with the love of Christ.

The call is always to "repent and believe the Gospel." The message is that Jesus Christ rescues sinners and gives a full and meaningful life.

[Monica Willyard Moen]

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]

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]

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]

Not nearly as good as Born Again.

[Greg Hannah]

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

[Jan Armstrong]

306 pgs