Single Idea 7341

[catalogued under 29. Religion / B. Monotheistic Religion / 2. Judaism]

Full Idea

Sampson is the outstanding example of the point which the Book of Judges makes again and again, that the Lord and society are often served by semi-criminal types, outlaws and misfits, who become folk-heroes and then religious heroes.

Gist of Idea

Sampson illustrates the idea that religious heroes often begin as outlaws and semi-criminals

Source

Paul Johnson (The History of the Jews [1987], Pt I)

Book Reference

Johnson,Paul: 'A History of the Jews' [Phoenix 1993], p.47


A Reaction

This illustrates nicely Nietzsche's claim, that the jews were responsible for his 'inversion of values', in which aristocratic virtues are downgraded, and the virtues of a good slave are elevated (though Sampson may not show that point so well!).