Why America Doesn't Work

by Charles W. Colson

In this uncompromising bestseller, two veterans of public service and private business reveal how America's work ethic has been stripped of its true meaning. Readers are then given the critical steps necessary to halt America's declining work ethic through an infusion of unique programs, hard work, and a renewed sense of integrity. Colson founded the Board of Prison Fellowship Ministries, and Eckerd founded the Eckerd drugstore chain.

Genres: Politics, Christian, Nonfiction, Economics

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

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

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal look at why America is failing in the labor department, while at the same time, offering clear and common sense solutions to correct the problem. This is the business practice book that corporate America should be reading.

[Eric Fulwider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in the early 2000's this is one of those books that makes you say "if the author thought it was bad then, if only he could see the situation now". Very good analysis on the moral and spiritual decline that has led to a weakening of the average American's work ethic. Also it was applicable, giving suggestions for restoring what has been lost. Gave me a lot to think about for sure.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding, informative look at the ideal work ethic and how we, as Americans, have lost touch with the aspects of work that have a positive spiritual bearing on our lives. Colson also demonstrates how low educational standards and a broken wellfare system are depriving people of the skills and motivation to be competitive in today's job market. The book gives business managers solid advice for increasing the productivity of their low-level employees, as well as providing some fantastic alternatives to the modern American penal system. Sure, it's an old book, but its information doesn't feel at all dated (except for perhaps the repeated glamorizing of Ross Perot). This is information I wish I'd learned back in high school, as it can really change one's attitude toward the time one spends working. Once again, the founding fathers had it right!

[Brent Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an old book from the 1990s, written by Chuck Colson and Jack Eckerd. Eckerd was the founder of the Eckerd Drug Stores, which is now CVS. They REALLY have wonderful ideas in this book for how companies and organizations should be run. Every time I read a good book, I type out great quotes from the book into a... Word document that I maintain. Well for this book I was typing out whole chapters (though admittedly the chapters aren't long in this book)! It was a great read. I'm slowly reading all of Colson's books -- very edifying!

[Paul Kovatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

truth hurts

[Devin]

ATS, HD8045.C65.1991

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among other things, a reminder that people can and do make a difference, and that you can, as well.