Samuel Rodriguez Remembers Chuck Colson

Robert Crosby: How would you describe the late Chuck Colson and his contribution to the church world?

Samuel Rodriguez: Chuck Colson stands as an iconic figure. He enriched the Christian community by personifying the power of a redeemed narrative. His personal experience speaks of a man who fell into grace rather than falling from grace. From the birth of Prison Fellowship to the Manhattan Declaration, Dr. Colson’s optics of reconciling truth with love permeated all aspects of his life. I had the privilege of serving with him on the Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary Board and serving as his Hispanic partner for the Manhattan Declaration. He served as one of my greatest inspirations. Although his physical voice may be silenced, his ideas and convictions will carry on via a generation committed to reconciling righteousness with justice.

Q: How do you think the general public perceived Chuck Colson, his White House role and subsequent conversion?

A: As a catalytic personality that did more good after his darkest chapter than before his life changing fall from political grace.

Q: Colson seemed to have had a prophetic voice to the church and to culture. What themes do you think he was the most passionate to convey?

A: Colson was a good Samaritan that stood committed to bringing good news to the poor and freedom to the captive. His heart for the incarcerated stemmed beyond just providing the spiritual needs of those in prison. Colson cared about their families outside the prison gates. His desire was to see the church not only engage the culture but reform it.

Q: How will Chuck Colson be remembered?

A: As the William Buckley of the Bible-believing community. Also, as an intellectual spokesperson that saw the entire Church, Protestant and Catholic, as the most important institution on the planet. His head contextualized truth, his heart redemption and his hands reconciliation.