"Born Again" Summary

Introduction

In "Born Again," Charles W. Colson takes readers on a riveting journey through his personal transformation from a powerful political operative to a convicted felon to a committed follower of Jesus Christ. This memoir, published in 1976, provides a captivating account of Colson's life, including his involvement in the Watergate scandal and his subsequent spiritual awakening. With honesty and humility, Colson shares his struggles, insights, and ultimate redemption, offering readers a powerful testament to the transforming power of faith.

Brief Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous political landscape of the 1970s, "Born Again" recounts the life of Charles Colson, a high-ranking White House advisor to President Richard Nixon. The story begins with Colson's ambitious rise to power and influence in Washington D.C., where he is known for his tough and often ruthless approach to politics. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes entangled in the Watergate scandal, leading to his conviction for obstruction of justice.

While serving his prison sentence, Colson experiences a profound spiritual awakening. Through the influence of a friend and a series of encounters with Christian literature, Colson begins to question his values and beliefs. Eventually, he surrenders his life to Christ, and this transformative experience shapes the rest of his life.

Main Characters

Character	Description
Charles Colson	The author and protagonist of the memoir, a former White House advisor and convicted felon
Richard Nixon	The 37th President of the United States, under whose administration the Watergate scandal occurred
Tom Phillips	A close friend and colleague of Colson, who introduces him to Christian literature and plays a significant role in his spiritual journey
Martha Colson	Charles Colson's wife, who supports him throughout his personal and spiritual transformation
E. Howard Hunt	A former CIA officer and one of the key figures in the Watergate scandal

Summary of Story Points

Chapter 1: From the White House to the Jailhouse

In this chapter, Colson provides an overview of his rise to power in Washington D.C. and his role as special counsel to President Nixon. He also introduces the events that led to the Watergate scandal and his subsequent arrest and conviction.

Chapter 2: The Collapse

Colson delves deeper into the Watergate scandal, detailing his involvement in the cover-up and the subsequent unraveling of the Nixon administration. He reflects on the moral compromises he made during this time and the consequences that followed.

Chapter 3: The Dark Night of the Soul

Imprisoned and facing the reality of life behind bars, Colson experiences a crisis of faith. He wrestles with guilt, shame, and a sense of hopelessness. It is during this dark period that he begins to question his own values and the meaning of life.

Chapter 4: Light Shines in the Darkness

A chance encounter with Tom Phillips, a former colleague, leads Colson to explore Christianity. Through reading C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and engaging in conversations with Phillips, Colson starts to see the possibility of a new life and a personal relationship with Christ.

Chapter 5: A New Beginning

Colson's encounter with Jesus Christ leads to a radical transformation. He experiences forgiveness, begins to embrace a life of service, and seeks to make amends for his past wrongdoings. Colson starts a prison ministry and eventually founds Prison Fellowship, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of prisoners.

Main Events

1. Colson's rise to power and his role in the Nixon administration.
2. The Watergate scandal and Colson's involvement in the cover-up.
3. Colson's arrest, conviction, and imprisonment.
4. Colson's crisis of faith and search for meaning while in prison.
5. Colson's encounter with Christianity through Tom Phillips and C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity."
6. Colson's transformation and commitment to a life of faith and service.
7. The founding of Prison Fellowship and Colson's advocacy for prison reform.

Themes and Insights

• The power of redemption and second chances: Colson's journey from a convicted felon to a committed Christian highlights the transformative power of faith and the possibility of redemption, regardless of one's past actions.
• The dangers of moral compromise: Colson's involvement in the Watergate scandal serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and ethical principles, even in the face of political power.
• The significance of personal responsibility: Colson's willingness to take responsibility for his actions and seek forgiveness demonstrates the importance of owning up to one's mistakes and working towards reconciliation.
• The role of faith in personal transformation: Colson's spiritual awakening serves as a powerful example of how faith can bring about profound change and provide meaning and purpose in life.

Reader's Takeaway

"Born Again" is a compelling memoir that offers readers a unique perspective on the Watergate scandal and its aftermath. Through Colson's personal journey, readers are reminded of the power of redemption and the transformative nature of faith. This gripping account encourages self-reflection and challenges readers to consider the role of ethics, personal responsibility, and spirituality in their own lives.

Conclusion

"Born Again" is Charles W. Colson's captivating memoir, chronicling his journey from a powerful political operative to a convicted felon to a committed Christian. Against the backdrop of the Watergate scandal and his subsequent spiritual awakening, Colson's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the possibility of redemption. Through his honest and introspective narrative, Colson invites readers to reflect on their own values, choices, and the role of faith in personal transformation.