Charles W. Colson: A Life Redeemed by Jonathan Aitken

by Jonathan Aitken

"Charles Colson is often described as a man of extremes. Once the second-most-hated man in America (after Nixon), he now plays a leading role in the religious life of our nation. Born Again, his account of his conversion, has sold millions of copies, and the ministry he founded, Prison Fellowship, is one of the most respected and productive Christian organizations in the country." "More than thirty years after his spectacular fall from grace, Colson's life has turned full circle. He is a nationally known religious leader, broadcaster, and bestselling author. Amazingly, he is once again an influential voice in presidential politics, enjoying regular access to the White House, with close ties to President George W. Bush and old friends such as Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld." "Jonathan Aitken, a well-known British author, is the first biographer given complete access to Colson's private archives and personal papers. From these, and from his knowledge of Colson and his circle for some seventeen years, Aitken has crafted a revealing portrait of this complex and colorful man." Aitken's biography sheds new light on Colson's conversion to evangelical Christianity, on his prison sentence, and on his creation in the late 1970s of a prison ministry based on his experiences as an inmate. More than a quarter of a century later, even skeptical observers are impressed with Colson's Prison Fellowship, a $50-million-a-year ministry that takes him to some of America's toughest prisons. As he explores what makes Colson tick, Aitken provides incisive answers to such questions as: Is Colson for real or is he on an ego trip in Christian camouflage? Has he gone soft politically and philosophically? Did his conversion change him from hawk to dove - or from political to religious extremist?

Genres: Biography, History, Religion, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Justice

Paperback

First published July 12, 2005

About the author

Jonathan William Patrick Aitken is a former Conservative Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom for 24 years, and a former British government Cabinet minister. He was convicted of perjury in 1999 and received an 18-month prison sentence, of which he served seven months.

Reviews

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

The life of Chuck Colson is a very inspiring one. He of course was convicted of illegal acts in the Watergate episode of the Nixon administration. But before his sentencing, he came to faith in Jesus Christ that transformed him and gave him the strength to face his imprisonment. He came out of that trial with a calling from God to provide the hope of Christ to inmates in America and around the world. He also became a force for changing the Evangelical church's engagement with the culture and cooperation with Roman Catholics.

I had read his autobiography Born Again in high school, and had a teacher comment cynically that this was not an authentic change of heart, but a ploy to change his perception by the public. But the life he lived for Christ until he died in 2012 proved that he had a genuine conversion and that he never did shrink back from his trust in Jesus, even when it was costly to him.

This book provides a good overview of Colson's life. I was a bit disappointed. I think it could have benefited from stronger editing. I saw a handful of grammatical or other errors, and it felt that the chapters were not pieced together well sometimes. There were cliches that made me cringe a little bit, too. But if one wishes to be inspired by a man who made a strong comeback (by God's grace) after being guilty of some awful mistakes, this would be book that fulfills that role.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Jonathan Aitken fan. I love his writing style. I had previously read Chuck Colson’s book Born Again, but Aitken’s book gave me so much more information. It was completely enjoyable and very informing. Highly recommend!

[Michael Locklear]

On loan to Sandra Parrott (5.3.2023)

[Andrew Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck Colson is one of my heroes. How one life can change, and thereby changing the lives of millions.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth reading. I was aware of the Watergate story and of Charles Colson's leadership of Prison Fellowship. But reading this book gave me a lot of the history of both that I wasn't aware of.

It did show the change in his life and the good that he has done without making him out to be a saint without flaw.

And it is good to read the story of a life that has been redeemed.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love you, boss!

[Eddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The life of the subject was very interesting. The book itself was average. If you're looking for the basic story of Chuck Colson's life, this one will give it to you.

[Kathy Penrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It held my attention from beginning to end.

[Derrick Swinarsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, but a very slow read for me...