Convicted Watergate Figure-Turned-Evangelical Leader Chuck Colson Dies at 80
- Posted on April 21, 2012 at 4:47pm by
Erica Ritz
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Chuck Colson, the first member of the Nixon administration to serve time in prison for charges relating to the 1972 Watergate scandal, has died of a brain hemorrhage after having surgery roughly two weeks ago.
Known by many as the “dirty tricks artist” and “hatchet man” for Nixon, Colson once reportedly said he would “walk over [his] own grandmother” to the president re-elected.
Soon after he finished his sentence, however, Colson founded the “Prison Fellowship,” which describes itself as “the world’s largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families,” with a presence in 113 countries.
His website has posted a memorial video:
The website further writes:
Evangelical Christianity lost one of its most eloquent and influential voices today with the death of Charles W. “Chuck” Colson. The Prison Fellowship and Colson Center for Christian Worldview founder died at 3:12 p.m. on Saturday from complications resulting from a brain hemorrhage. Colson was 80.
A Watergate figure who emerged from the country’s worst political scandal, a vocal Christian leader and a champion for prison ministry, Colson spent the last years of his life in the dual role of leading Prison Fellowship, the world’s largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families, and the Colson Center, a teaching and training center focused on Christian worldview thought and application.
Chuck’s life is a testimony to God’s power to forgive, redeem, and transform.
Colson was reportedly speaking at a Colson Center conference when he was overcome by dizziness several weeks ago. He underwent two hours of surgery to remove a blood clot on the surface of his brain and, though he showed signs of a possible recovery, his health took a turn for the worse several days ago.
His site concludes: ” He went to be with the Lord. His wife, Patty, and the family were with him in the last moments before he entered eternity.”
Though many of Colson’s reform efforts in, for instance, treating rather than incarcerating drug users, failed to significantly change government policy, Colson’s efforts impacted countless prisoners and Christians worldwide.
Note from The Blaze Editor-in-Chief Scott Baker:
Chuck Colson would probably not have remembered but I worked for him briefly in 1988.
A year or two earlier a friend of mine called to ask if I would be interested in a job helping do research and writing for Colson’s books and speeches. I was tempted, but the timing wasn’t right. And I knew someone far better for the job — my college roommate Michael Gerson. Mike went on to work on many important projects with Colson (Gerson would later serve as chief speechwriter at the White House for George W. Bush).
In 1988 Colson was approached to do a series of radio specials focusing on the coming presidential election. At the time, I was working as a weekend news anchor at a TV station in Erie, Pennsylvania. Early on each Monday I would fly from Erie, connect in Pittsburgh before landing at Dulles Airport not far from the Prison Fellowship offices. Mike and I would work on scripts and concepts for the radio specials. Each Tuesday night I would fly back to Erie. It was the only work I ever really did in “religious” broadcasting. And by design, the 30-minute broadcast sounded more like Nightline (1980′s style) than anything common on Christian radio. We produced five of these special broadcasts. Colson would later become very well known for his thoughtful BreakPoint daily radio commentary broadcasts.
I only talked to him a couple of times. Once in the early 90′s I spotted him at a pay phone at the Pittsburgh airport. We chatted briefly and I told him how much his thinking and example had influenced my life.
Colson was a rare Evangelical leader who had the ability inspire his readers and listeners to think more deeply and act more vigorously with a clarity measured in vast compassion.
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Comments (80)
sbenard
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:46pmThere is hope for redemption for all of us!
Report Post »vicsemprini
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:44pmCharles Colson is now experiencing real hope and eternal change.
II Corinthians 5
Report Post »Simonne
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:43pmSad news. Really turned his life around & did so much good.
Report Post »raydg
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 2:06amNot sad news as he is with the Lord. Godspeed Chuck. Your radio broadcast “Breakpoint” helped a lot in my road back to Christ. As us Orhtodox say, He is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Report Post »FORLORNHOPE
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:40pm“A Watergate figure who emerged from the country’s worst political scandal”
Nobody died at Watergate, Fast and furious …
Report Post »vicsemprini
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 8:29pmRemember people, Republican burglaries are worse than murders that result from Democrat gun running, or driving ATF tanks into dormitories full of women and children in red states.
Report Post »texasbeta
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 5:40pmYou are obviously not aware that Fast and Furious is the 2nd incarnation of this program…the first being called Operation Wide Receiver under W. Moron.
Report Post »Bill Burns
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:13pmA great man. A great loss.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:53pmHe will be sorely missed. Look forward to his BREAKPOINT talks.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 10:56pmme too. breakpoint was fantastic prayers to his family
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:52pmAs Jesus put it to the thief today you will be with me in paradise. May the Lord give his family the peace knowing where there loved one is.
Report Post »Greenwood
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:40pm@GYPSY123……….tell you today, …………not you will be in paradise today. Jesus didn’t ascend to heaven until 40 days after his resurrection which would have been 43 days from the time he said those words. Unless he went ahead to meet him which I doubt or he was lying which I also doubt. He was saying sometime in the future he would resurrect him to life on a paradise earth. When ? on the last day, when all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.
Report Post »Bearfoot
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 11:25amWell put Greenwood, well put.
Report Post »Cerad
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 7:37pmSorry, Greenwood…
And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. (American Standard Version)
And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (English Standard Version)
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (NIV)
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. (KJV)
And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (NKJV)
And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Holeman Christian Standard Bible)
Jesus’ words, not mine. You don’t get to move punctuation to suit your doctrinal leanings…
Report Post »ConservDadASD
Posted on April 23, 2012 at 9:38amGreenwood – you forget some other key scripture that tell what happened after Christ died.
With His death, the payment for sin was made when he went down to hades to put sin to death. He then preached the Gospel to the captives in Abraham’s Bosom, and took the ones who believed up with him to Heaven. He then came back in His resurrection to show the living that God accepted the Final Sacrifice and that Jesus, the High Priest (Book of Hebrews) survived. In Judiaism, if the high priest was found to be dead, after being dragged out via rope around his ankle by those outside the temple, then it meant that the sacrifice was not accepted by God.
While Jesus may not have “gone up to the Father”, it didn‘t mean that he didn’t stop by the front door of Heaven to leave the kids (including the thief) off before heading back to earth for another 40 days.
Report Post »Old Truckers
Posted on April 23, 2012 at 5:09pmConservDadASD,
Whoaa, Think, before you write.
Report Post »Silversmith
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:37pmThe crimes that landed this man in jail are NOTHING compared to what is going on in Washington today. “High crimes and misdemeanors” seems to be being defined differently today, much to the chagrin of the people and the Constitution.
Silversmith
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:53pmI‘d say acting in ’faith’ was the key to faith.
Report Post »Greenwood
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:38pmLuke 23:39But one of the hung evildoers began to say abusively to him: “You are the Christ, are you not? Save yourself and us.” 40In reply the other rebuked him and said: “Do you not fear God at all, now that you are in the same judgment? 41And we, indeed, justly so, for we are receiving in full what we deserve for things we did; but this [man] did nothing out of the way.” 42And he went on to say: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your kingdom.” 43And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.”
I tell you today, …………not you will be in paradise today. Jesus didn’t ascend to heaven until 40 days after his resurrection which would have been 43 days from the time he said those words. Unless he went ahead to meet him which I doubt or he was lying which I also doubt. He was saying sometime in the future he would resurrect him to life on a paradise earth. When ? on the last day, when all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 9:26pm@Greenwood
Jesus often used the phrase, “Verily, verily, I say to/tell you…” but there is no other instance of him saying, “I tell you today.” That phrasing is awkward, to say the least. “Paradise” was the place of the dead for the righteous. Jesus rightfully called it “paradise” because He was the last Adam, and being righteous, He descended there to await resurrection.
“While present in the body, we are absent from the Lord”… and when “absent from the body,“ we are ”present with the Lord.” (2 Cor. 5: 6,8)
Report Post »Bearfoot
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 11:40amkryptonite,
The word “paradise” means just that, a paradise, it does not mean a death condition waiting for a resurrection. The death condition is called being in sheol or hades (the grave) from which our Lord will resurrect the dead into the earthly paradise earth to live everlastingly, in God’s Kingdom. This is the paradise Jesus was referring to. Matthew 24:144, Daniel 2:44, 7:13-14
Report Post »Bearfoot
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 11:53amSorry, Matthew 24:14……not 24:144
Report Post »Greenwood
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 8:18pm@KRTPTONITE…………….Jesus often used the phrase, “Verily, verily, I say to/tell you…” but there is no other instance of him saying, “I tell you today.” That phrasing is awkward, ……………..
Jesus did not speak in the old english from the time of King James so he never used the word verily either. It is a translation from the Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic language to English and if you prefer to speak in the language of the 16th Century that’s up to you. I prefer modern day language so I use the New World Translation. If you think that’s awkward………….that’s you. The fact is Jesus didn‘t acsend to heaven until 43 days after those words and that’s a fact.
Report Post »Micah.Stone
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:32pmGee, I guess that eliminates another one of OBOZO’s campaign themes – “It‘s colson’s fault” probably now won’t work any better than all the other phony excuses for his failures.
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:27pmWatergate was nothing but third rate burglary that Nixon resigned over this man should have never went to jail ? looking back a lot more democrouches should be in jail for there actions today ? and nothing being done about them !!!!!!
Report Post »tenncon
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:15pmNixon wasn’t impeached, he resigned—Bill Clinton was impeached but note thrown out of office because the demorats controlled the Senate!
Report Post »aggiebrewer
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:13pmYup. Most people could not make this correction as they are oblivious.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 9:25pmTENNCON, I can understand how you feel, but the Dems did not control the Senate at that time. The Republicans did not hold enough of the Senate seats to make a super majority. Also, several of the Republicans for reasons yet unknown to me failed to vote in favor of the impeachment.
Report Post »I also wonder how many of the trolls here still think that Clinton was persecuted for merely getting his pecker wet and still refuse to understand that he was found guilty in a federal court for perjury.
Hollywood
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 1:29pmClinton would have left, if not for looking for a stash of cigars he had misplaced in the Oval office. Think he has quit cigars? Can a leopard change his spots?
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:05pm“Obedience is the key to real faith” — yes, you don’t hear that one much anymore. “If you love Me, you’ll obey Me” Christ said….“faith without works is dead”…..wish all of these were preached a bit more. So sad to think he’s not “with us” anymore; but then it’s joyful to know he is with Jesus, the Father and myriads of angels to enjoy plus all the others that he has known and was a factor in their salvation, not to mention all of the great biblical figures, etc., etc. He made a great difference for the good…..thank you God and thank you Chuck………
Report Post »ScienceIsNotEvil
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:40pmSorry but I am not going to kill my child for being disrespectful nor am I going to stone those in my community who work on the sabbath.
Report Post »watsona4
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:58pm@scienceisnotevil Jesus advocated neither the killing of children nor the stoning of people who worked on the Sabbath. In fact, in Mark 3:1-6 Jesus heals a man with a withered hand (i.e., Jesus is doing the work of healing) on the Sabbath. Also, in John 7:53-8:11, Jesus saves a woman from being stoned:
“The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’ ”
All religions, including the religion of atheism, have committed atrocities. I urge you to read Jesus’ teachings and not base your conclusions about him on the actions of a f
Report Post »supermansdad
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 8:07am@ Momprayin
Dont worry, Mr/Ms. Science forgets that most modern science was invented by people with a theology background not trying to disprove the existance of God but trying to understand the wonderment of His creation.
This is why liberals/progressives and “libertarians” are such amoralistic people. With them it’s either no god or God for me but not for you.
Report Post »tbeachhead
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:01pmHe is a great man. Thank you, Chuck, for demonstrating repentance, and for walking in it in humility and obedience. You have given me hope that this job can be done. Receive God’s richest blessing, knowing that many of us here are in your debt.
Report Post »Texas.7
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 8:41pmAmen! Chuck Colson was truly a great voice in the Christian community, who demonstrated the power of forgiveness and redemption, which was so evident in his life. And without his ministries many more within the prison system would have been lost to Islam or not faith at all. Chuck Colson has had quite an impact on this nation, and may never be truly appreciated for what he added to our current national state on this side- but I’m sure he is feeling that love now. Blessings to his family and friends.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 9:04pm“Well done, good and faithful servant.” I always admired you, Chuck Colson. RIP, brother.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:49pmI loved hearing Chuck on his radio feature, BREAKPOINT. He had a signature voice and wonderful messages. He’s one happy saved soul!
Report Post »marine249
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:41pmif Colson and Nixxon had been successful al the
Report Post »Watergate Hotel there would have been no
peanut farmer.We would be a Lot better off
today God bless you Chuck.
Paul
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 11:05pmDito…
Report Post »hi
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:41pmHe is in heaven with God this minute. I’m sure he received numerous rewards for his great service on earth.
Report Post »Greenwood
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 8:29pmIs that what the bible teaches or just wishful thinking?
John 5: 28,29
Report Post »TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:36pmDear man of God, redeemed and awaiting the second coming with all the saints…prayers for his family and friends…America is saddened…
Report Post »NOMOBIGDRAMANOBAMA
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:25pmEternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him.
Report Post »crazyrightwingmom
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:10pmWatergate was a blown up burglary, that the dems have been doing for decades. But of course that is ignored!
Report Post »Colson was a wonderful man and helped many, many people.
I agree…why does the blaze fall for that? Watergate…McCarthy. All overblown.
CatB
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:30pmBy today’s standards .. these guys were saints … they can’t hold a candle to the crooks in government now. Nixon must be rolling over in his grave.
OMG ABO 2012 .. LIBERTY!
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:53pmCATB – That’s what I was thinking — how much that seems soooo……..nothing compared to what‘s been going on with Nobama’s Communist regime. At least Nixon was very patriotic.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:04pmThe Explorer in me loves the idea of… a Fresh Start; Second Chance; Redeeming; Redemption; and a New Life. But, ideas rarely find proof in Reality!
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:14pmRIP COLSON; Prayers for Comfort for your Family. I’d say that of all people, Colson really repented and then spent the rest of his life serving GOD, making huge differences in the lives of people confined in Prison and millions of radio listeners. Thank you for your life. Enjoy your reward!
Report Post »dcarls00
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 1:27amWhere do you get the idea that ideas rarely fit reality? Isn’t that a contradiction? “Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for these desires exists. A baby feels hunger; well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim; well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire; well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
Report Post »pastoreric
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 4:57pmI am very sadden by this news. I believe as a christian, that God offers forgiveness for the sins we have committed and will restore the person to his service. This has been seen very elegrantly in the life of Mr. Colson. I also realize in the media, “if it bleeds it leads”– I understand CNN leading with the WATERGATE crime, I had hoped that the Blaze would have resisted the put-down. I extend my heartfelt concern to the Colson family and all who am sadden by his passing
Report Post »SIncerely
Pastor Eric E.
hepton union church, northern indiana
blackyb
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:31pmMe too. It is good he got to use the rest of his life to serve God.
Report Post »JJBlazeReader
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:47pm..
Report Post »I agree. It is reprehensible that the title begins with “Convicted Watergate etc.”
Seems the Blaze knows nothing of redemption nor anything about his interdenominational work, Manhattan Declaration etc. etc.
Truly a giant in our time. See you on the other side Chuck.
..
Bro Geo Too
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 4:56pmChuck Colson’s journey from Watergate to Heaven’s Gate is a clear and exciting demonstration of the grace, mercy, and redemptive power of Jesus Christ. Rest in peace, Brother, see you Glory.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:22pmAmen!
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:37pmBest Post!!
Report Post »Taxpayer550
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 4:53pmAbsent from the body, present with the Lord! Rest in peace, Chuck, and enjoy your heavenly rewards. So many have been blessed and encouraged by your ministries.
I look forward to meeting and talking with you when I get there. May God bless Chuck Colson.
Report Post »Razorhunters
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 4:52pmOKC Bombing Star Witness Reveals Staged Government Terror Attack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3eDsWbf3Ao&context=C4ec43bdADvjVQa1PpcFOJY6Y-yp16EEcppGPOD9Ufl-7XiAdnQx8=
Report Post »Razorhunters
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 4:50pmnixon was impeached for what…?
Report Post »tenncon
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:12pmNixon wasn’t impeached, he resigned–Bill Clinton was impeached but not removed from office because the demorats controlled the Senate!
Report Post »Glenn in Virginia
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 6:19pmFor being Nixon.
Report Post »vicsemprini
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 7:41pmFor his part in the Watergate coverup.
Report Post »hangthebastids
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 10:20pmwas a rhetorical question…yes i know nixon resigned.
clinton wwas impeached by the house.
far as im concerned …hang them all.
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 10:50pmNixon could have got out of the whole scandal if he woul have taken the offer brought to him by henry kissinger who told him if he would just tell golda meir no it would all go away .
Report Post »ConservDadASD
Posted on April 23, 2012 at 9:48am@Scout N Ambush – So you think it would have been better for Israel to have been wiped off the map by it’s attacking enemies on Yom Kippur?
Check out the DVD series Against All Odds to find out more about what i’m talking about.
Report Post »