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Rating: 
Summary: Hagiography for the 21st century
Review: Hagiographies were, historically, written for the edification of the faithful. That describes this disappointing work rather well: for those who wish to hear only the positive, and the classic story of repentance and redemption, the basic story is competently told, and it will, perhaps, serve its purpose. But it offers little or nothing to the thinking Christian (or non-) reader: there is little or no critical evaluation of Colson and his story and (disappointing to this reader) little too on the remarkable movement that he has been so involved in creating and leading, Prison Fellowship. Colson's is an inspiring story, but little or no purpose is served by setting him up as a plaster saint. There is a fascinating tale to be told, and real Christians still struggle today with the moral ambiguities and compromises of life in the world's centres of power. Sadly, this book is not the one for them.
Rating:
Summary: Hagiography for the 21st century
Review: Hagiographies were, historically, written for the edification of the faithful. That describes this disappointing work rather well: for those who wish to hear only the positive, and the classic story of repentance and redemption, the basic story is competently told, and it will, perhaps, serve its purpose. But it offers little or nothing to the thinking Christian (or non-) reader: there is little or no critical evaluation of Colson and his story and (disappointing to this reader) little too on the remarkable movement that he has been so involved in creating and leading, Prison Fellowship. Colson's is an inspiring story, but little or no purpose is served by setting him up as a plaster saint. There is a fascinating tale to be told, and real Christians still struggle today with the moral ambiguities and compromises of life in the world's centres of power. Sadly, this book is not the one for them.
Rating: 
Summary: Watergate Revisited
Review: I have always professed that Chuck Colson is one of my living heroes of the faith. Now I remember why.John Perry does an excellent job of revisiting Watergate through the eyes of the guy who supposedly would run over his own grandma to get Richard Nixon elected. Like the previous statement there is much we think we know of Colson which is actually the stuff of mythology. For instance, he was convicted of Watergate-related crimes, right? You are wrong Bebe Rebozo breath!!! (Read the book and find out about his actual self-inflicted conviction.) Perry's research is thorough and his storytelling and pace compelling. He caused me to do something I have never done before. I picked up the book at 8 PM on a Saturday night and didn't put it down until I was finished at 4:30 AM. The next morning my pastor wanted to know why I was yawning during his sermon... offered fresh perspective and riveting detail to the still unfolding story that is Chuck Colson's legacy as a man and as a Christian.
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