Chuck Colson

Chuck Colson--the first man convicted and sentenced to serve prison time in the Watergate Scandal and the last to be released has died at age 80.  At the height of his political power he described himself as Nixon’s “Hatchet Man.”  He could be engaging, ruthless, conniving, insightful and power-hungry all at the same time.  Yet, he had a tremendous fall from power.  He participated in obstructing justice and seeking to cover-up the break-ins related to Daniel Ellsberg—a figure the Nixon Administration sought to dismantle both politically and personally. 

            Somewhere between his indictment and his trial, Colson had a conversion experience.  A corporate executive he knew witnessed to him and gave him a copy of Mere Christianity.  Through his seven-month prison experience, Colson developed strong opinions about the prison system and its inattention to actual rehabilitation.  After his release, he began Prison Fellowship Ministries that works to bring the gospel and repentance to people serving in prison.

            Colson was not without his critics.  Many people doubted this “jailhouse conversion.”  It was perceived as a public relations trick.  Yet, for almost forty years—from the time of his conversion—he was not involved in another scandal.  His Prison Fellowship Ministry is the largest of its kind, reaches those whom many regard as unreachable, and brings real and substantive change to people’s lives. The Prison Fellowship has served for over 30 years and made Colson one of the most influential people among American Evangelicals.  He contributed significantly to Evangelical-Roman Catholic dialogue and cooperation—a stance that received significant opposition and criticism among those who failed to see the importance of Christian unity.  In 1993 he received the Templeton Prize that is given annually to a person who makes a significant contribution in the spiritual dimension of human life.  Shortly before I went to Seminary I read his 1994 book The Body.  It is as helpful a work on the nature of the church as I have ever read.

            As we consider the Minor Prophets and their call to repentance, Chuck Colson’s life stands near the top of the list of people who in recent memory so publicly and so profoundly displayed the power of repentance.  Beyond the accomplishments and the prizes, Colson is testimony to the transforming power of grace. Thanks be to God.