Customer Reviews

The Good Life

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've read so many of Chuck Colson's books and heard so many of his speeches, that I feel as though he's one of my great friends. Even though I've never met him, my heart definitely beats with his(!). This book centers on Chuck looking back over his life offering personal anecdotes and examples of how modern man defines the 'good life' in today's culture - and is left wanting. Colson, as usual, affirms the biblical worldview as the only perspective which offers the greatest joy and satisfaction in life. It's a book for 'seekers.' Chuck is one of those great men whose testimony for Christ, and articulate expressions about the Christian worldview in so many forms, makes one happy to have him as a fellow believer. He leaves a great legacy - although I'm sure Mr. Colson has a lot of great years ahead in Christian service. Continue on, my friend!

One reviewer called this the "thinking man's purpose driven life", and I read the book and completely agree with that summary. Whether you follow Christ or if you know there are many religions and you're not sure why and what is the difference - this book will speak to you. Colson, a former attorney, uses logic and reason to take the reader through methodical reason on many different real-life subjects - from evolution, consumerism, infanticide, homosexuality and much more. Colson takes you through these thoughts logically - not biblically - to present what it means to live the good life - to find purpose, meaning and truth. Colson takes the reader to the point of absolute truth. Rick Warren said about this book - "read this and be changed"; Warren is right. All thinking, well-read people should explore this book. Also Colson shares his own hurt - from his prison stay, alienation and information about his autistic grandson; a very personal book for Colson readers.

The perfect book for "Joe/Jane Postmodern".

I have been searching for an evangelistic book that is culturally astute, understands postmodern man, and weaves worldview themes throughout its presentation of the gospel. MY SEARCH IS OVER. THIS IS THE BOOK I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR!

The perfect book to give to a friend or family member that is "searching".

I highly recommend it!

Thirty five years ago a White House cover-up shook the nation. In the midst of the national controversy were the individual lives that would never be the same. One of those lives is that of Charles Colson. After serving time in prison for releasing confidential FBI information, Colson underwent a transformation, a conversion. He told about his conversion in his popular book Born Again. More than three decades later he's telling his story again, but from a more developed perspective, in his recent book, The Good Life.

The Good Life isn't completely about Charles Colson. In fact, his is just one of many stories the authors share to explore the issues of purpose, meaning, and truth in this life. Reflections are offered on men who "had it all," such as L. Dennis Kozlowski (former CEO of Tyco International), as well as people who endured devastating pain and suffering, such as Nien Cheng (a women who suffered under Communist rule in China).

Each of the stories told sheds some light on what "the good life" truly is. Along the way, pieces are placed together in the puzzle. Colson and Hackett make the case that self-sacrifice in serving others is an essential element. So to, they claim, is a well-founded worldview that holds truth as valuable and morality as objective. Ultimately, "the good life" comes from complete surrender to Jesus Christ- embracing who He is and what He wants to do with our lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Good Life. The stories were artfully told in a manner that drew suspense at times and thoughtfulness at others. Powerful points are made by the use of these narratives in conjunction with the clear thinking of a seasoned apologist. The Good Life by Charles Colson and Harold Fickett is exceptional book that will draw readers from almost every background.

This is the first book I've ever heard. I was skeptical about how good listening to a book is compared to reading it, but I was pleasantly surprised at how great it was. Todd McLaren, the narrator has the perfect voice for the materials. Whenever there was a quote from someone else, he spoke in a different voice, one that was distinct yet fitting for the piece. I don't believe anyone could have done a better job.

Well, once again, Colson has written another gem of a book! The premise of The Good Life is that a good life can be found only in a two-fold purpose: serving others and serving them in truth. In other words, do not waste your life satisfying just your own selfish desires and do not serve others just to promote your own self-interest. Instead, we are challenged to serve others because of who Jesus Christ is and what He did for us on the cross at Calvary.

The important points covered in the book include:

1. We acknowledge the evil to embrace the good.
2. When people are too idle, they lack purpose. We were wired to have a purpose in life.
3. Our own personal happiness must never be the ultimate goal in our lives.
4. Living independent of others is unhealthy - we are meant for community.
5. Instead of doing your own thing, the good life depends on giving yourself to others and losing yourself.
6. Integrity is more important than loyalty. Get that wrong and your world collapses.
7. When we feel a desire for something that this world cannot satisfy, then we can realize that we are made for another world.
8. The reality of our death spurs us on to accomplish as much in life as we can.
9. God wants our child-lie faith and wants us to come to Him on His terms.

Read, enjoy, and be challenged to get outside of yourself and make the most of the rest of your life for God's glory!

Highly recommended.

Colson's and Fickett's book, The Good Life, includes some amazing stories which can inspire someone who is in the middle of very difficult circumstances. The real life stories are of people who were in the midst of terrible persecution, or of just downfall, which can give hope or perspective to a person stuggling in such circumstances. He clearly demonstrates the worth of human life, and the end result of viewing life simply pragmatically.

Particularly useful was the chapter in which the authors review three elements which can be used to compare how worldviews "fit' with reality: 1.) How does this worldview provide hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation in apparently hopeless circumstances? 2.)How does the worldview provide for securing human liberty? 3.)How does the worldview provide for happiness which fulfills and transcends circumstances?

The book contains rich illustrations of answers to this basic struggle: Is it right/OK to indulge my every desire, or is it right/better to seek a higher purpose including service and self denial? Americans can get closer to the answer by understanding the meaning of "happiness" as it was intended in the Declaration of Independence. Given the struggle between conflicting answers to these questions in our culture today, this book is "must reading."

This is one of those rare and very special books that can move you to the very core of your being. I am not a very emotional person. The stories Mr. Colson, and Mr. Fickett share in this book read like some of the best works of fiction. That they are all true stories, and the universal truths that they reveal, makes this an absolutely essential book for ALL who are seeking truth, or trying to make sense this crazy, and often cruel world we live in. The stories are so beautiful that many actually moved me to tears (this almost never happens to me!)! Other times I found myself chuckling. Still others, I could not suppress a verbal "Wow!" as I contemplated the profound and transending wisdom each story ultimately conveyed. In this book Mr. Colson is able to stimulate both intellect, and emotion in ways that you wish every book could. I have read other books by Colson, and he has FAR outdone himself here!

I would truly love to see this book rival Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" in it's circulation (Not because I didn't like Rick's book...). "The Good Life" is written to cater to a MUCH wider audience than Mr. Warren's book. Like Warren's book, this book will change you. It will change the way you look at every detail in life. "The Good Life" masterfully illustrates the transending Spirit of Truth and purpose that can give profound significance and meaning to even the most insignificant, hopeless, or even despised in life. We are all striving for "the good life". Great and meek. Weak and strong. We all want our lives to count for something. Regardless of what your worldview is, there is something to be gained from the stories of lonliness, pain, sorrow, despair, and ultimate victory over life's trials presented in these pages.

DON'T just buy one copy of this book! Buy at least two, and share its moving stories, and priceless truths with someone who is on your mind. I did! I can't wait to give the extra copy to my friend! REALLY, It's THAT good!!!

It takes a courageous man to make bold, unflinching statements about such culturally vague and unpopular topics as the purpose of human life, the value of life, the fact of "absolute" truth and what that truth is, the fact of an intended order to the universe and human existence as established by a loving creator and the consequences of violating that order, the way that people should relate to each other, and what things are truly important in life. But Charles Colson is a courageous man and "The Good Life" is a courageous work, full of engaging stories! Colson's writing in this great book is warm, honest, transparent, occassionaly melancholy, but always brilliant. "The Good Life" is an important and potentially life changing read for Christians and non-Christians alike. The book is very much a "thinking man's" Purpose Driven Life. An absolute must read!!

Chuck Colson has written a thought provoking book with contrasting famous real life stories of different approaches to life and the consequences of these different approaches. Life choices have consequences that we all need to think through. For example, what are the consequences of whether there is truth or not, particularly since most people believe there is no absolute truth? Is happiness all we should aim for in life? How can a life be signicant? Well worth the read!

The Good Life is one of the best books I have read for all seekers of truth and the meaning of life. One realizes after reading The Good Life that striving for wealth, power and fame will not satisfy for very long. Rather our discovery of truth and the desire for serving others in need really bring us closer to enjoying the ultimate good life. As we get older we all begin to consider at some point the question, "Have I lived a life that is honorable and worthy -- have I lived a life that one can call good?"

This book is an easier read than Colson's How Now Shall We Live and is full of wonderful story telling. One is challenged along the way to consider the claims of Christ through natural law arguments without being beaten over the head with Scripture. It truely is a great book to give your neighbor or friend who is seeking. I encourage you to buy this today, read it and pass it on.