Seven Men

1. Charles Colson's transformation from Nixon's "hatchet man" to prison reformer

"God, I don't know how to find you, but I'm going to try! I'm not much the way I am now, but somehow I want to give myself over to you."

A dramatic turnaround. Charles Colson, once known as President Nixon's ruthless special counsel, underwent a profound transformation after his involvement in the Watergate scandal. His journey from political power player to convicted felon marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Faith as a catalyst. Colson's conversion to Christianity, sparked by a conversation with Raytheon CEO Tom Phillips, set him on a path of self-reflection and spiritual growth. This newfound faith would become the cornerstone of his future endeavors and shape his approach to criminal justice reform.

From personal redemption to public service. Colson's experience in prison opened his eyes to the plight of inmates and the failings of the criminal justice system. This firsthand knowledge, combined with his Christian faith, inspired him to dedicate his life to prison reform and inmate rehabilitation through the founding of Prison Fellowship.

2. The power of Christian faith in personal redemption and societal change

"What happened in court today was the court's will and the Lord's will. I have committed my life to Jesus Christ and I can work for him in prison as well as out."

Faith as a transformative force. Colson's embrace of Christianity not only changed his personal life but also became the driving force behind his efforts to reform the prison system. His experience demonstrates how faith can be a powerful catalyst for both individual redemption and broader societal change.

Applying Christian principles to social issues. Colson's approach to prison reform was deeply rooted in Christian teachings, emphasizing forgiveness, redemption, and the inherent dignity of all individuals. This faith-based perspective offered a unique and compassionate approach to addressing the challenges faced by inmates and ex-offenders.

Overcoming skepticism. Many were initially skeptical of Colson's conversion, viewing it as a ploy to gain sympathy. However, his unwavering commitment to his faith and his decades-long dedication to prison reform ultimately proved the sincerity of his transformation.

3. Confronting moral dilemmas: Colson's refusal to lie for self-preservation

"Chuck felt deeply uncomfortable with the thought of lying, even to save his own skin. He was no longer a man of mere pragmatism. He believed he had to honor God with everything he said and did, to the best of his abilities."

Ethical decision-making. Colson's refusal to accept a plea bargain that would have required him to lie demonstrates the profound impact of his newfound faith on his moral compass. This decision, which went against legal advice and self-interest, marked a significant departure from his previous pragmatic approach to politics.

Personal cost of integrity. By choosing to tell the truth, Colson faced more severe legal consequences, including a longer prison sentence. This willingness to accept personal hardship for the sake of moral integrity became a defining characteristic of his post-conversion life.

Setting a precedent. Colson's decision to prioritize honesty over self-preservation set the tone for his future work in prison reform. It established his credibility as someone who had personally grappled with the consequences of his actions and emerged with a commitment to ethical behavior.

4. Prison as a crucible for spiritual growth and discovering life's purpose

"Chuck was determined to show that he wasn't someone special—or that he didn't think of himself as someone special—so he volunteered for a number of menial chores, such as mopping floors."

Humility and self-discovery. Colson's time in prison served as a crucible for personal growth and spiritual development. By embracing humility and engaging in menial tasks, he began to see himself and his fellow inmates in a new light.

Finding purpose in adversity. Through his prison experience, Colson discovered a new sense of purpose. He began to see his incarceration not as a punishment, but as an opportunity to connect with and serve others who were suffering.

Practical insights into prison life. Colson's firsthand experience as an inmate provided him with valuable insights into the realities of prison life and the challenges faced by inmates. This knowledge would later inform his approach to prison reform and rehabilitation programs.

5. The birth of Prison Fellowship: Turning personal experience into a mission

"As I stared at my reflection, a startling series of images flashed across my mind. I saw men in prison gray moving about. Classes. Discussions. Prayers."

Divine inspiration. Colson's vision for Prison Fellowship came to him in a moment of profound insight, which he interpreted as divine guidance. This experience provided him with a clear sense of direction for his post-prison life.

Leveraging personal experience. Colson's time in prison gave him a unique perspective on the needs of inmates and the shortcomings of the criminal justice system. He used this knowledge to shape the mission and approach of Prison Fellowship.

Overcoming obstacles. The creation of Prison Fellowship required Colson to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and skepticism from both prison officials and the public. His persistence and conviction in the face of these challenges were crucial to the organization's establishment and growth.

6. Overcoming skepticism and criticism to build a lasting legacy

"Even at the end of his life—after nearly forty years of serving God and prisoners in prisons and beyond—some people refused to believe he had ever changed."

Persistent doubters. Despite decades of dedicated service to prison reform, Colson continued to face skepticism about the sincerity of his transformation. This ongoing criticism tested his resolve and commitment to his mission.

Tangible results as evidence. Colson responded to skepticism by focusing on the tangible impact of his work. The growth and success of Prison Fellowship, along with the lives changed through its programs, served as powerful evidence of his sincerity.

Building a lasting institution. By establishing Prison Fellowship as an organization that could continue beyond his personal involvement, Colson created a legacy that outlived him and continued to impact the lives of inmates and their families.

7. The impact of Christian principles on criminal justice reform

"Chuck now began to help prisoners in other ways too. One inmate who was unable to read or write asked Chuck to help him write a letter to the judge who could grant him parole. Such needs broke his heart."

Compassionate approach. Colson's Christian faith informed a compassionate and holistic approach to criminal justice reform, focusing on rehabilitation and redemption rather than purely punitive measures.

Addressing root causes. Prison Fellowship's programs, inspired by Colson's experiences and beliefs, aimed to address the underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior, such as lack of education, addiction, and broken family relationships.

Influencing policy. Through his work with Prison Fellowship and his advocacy efforts, Colson played a significant role in shaping public discourse and policy around criminal justice reform, promoting a more rehabilitative and redemptive approach to incarceration.

Last updated: November 10, 2024