The Samson Syndrome: What You Can Learn from the Baddest Boy in the Bible

by Mark Atteberry

Why do some strong men fail while others succeed? Like the biblical character Samson, all strong menùthose who are successful, influential, self-confident, aggressive, or widely respectedùface twelve tendencies that can lead to sin and even personal tragedy.

The adventurous and gifted Samsonùwhose story is told in four chapters of the book of Judgesùnever had the intention of fighting against God. He was just a fun-loving guy looking for a good time. Like so many strong men today, he didnÆt think his sin was any big deal. But itÆs clear as you read his story that the older he got, the more sin held him in its grip.

The Samson Syndrome is a set of twelve tendencies or challenges that strong men will always face. Obstacles like lust, ignoring good advice, big egos, fears of authentic intimacy, losing sight of the big picture, and others, have the ability to be any manÆs undoing. AtteberryÆs mission is to remind men of the joy of living within GodÆs boundaries, because he believes thereÆs a little Samson in all of us. With GodÆs help weÆre capable of such great things. But weÆre never more than one bad choice away from humiliation. However, it doesnÆt have to be that way if you want to fulfill your God-given potential.   

Genres: Christian, Leadership, Self Help, Personal Development, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Entrepreneurship

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2003

Reviews

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book that convicted me on so many fronts. If you desire to walk close to God and avoid many common mistakes and struggles, please take some time and read this book!

[Luke Watts · Rating 2 out of 5]

The biblical truths and principles about how men can honour and bring glory to God with their lives in this title are solid and compelling, even to those who “know” such things. Where the author falters in his treatment of Samson is to focus entirely on the “bad boy” elements with a dismissal of context of the work the Spirit and his personal faith espoused in other parts of Scripture. Samson certainly provides plenty of fodder for the cautionary tales, but this title misses the redemptive arc of the story and completely ignores any mention of the Spirit at work in Samsons weaknesses (or strengths). Overall, a helpful title on godly manhood, but the exegetical approach is lacking nuance, context, and the Gospel.

[T. Ryan Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book for the fact that it introduced me to a very nontraditional telling of the story of Samson (Judges 13-16). While most children familiar with this story probably consider Samson to be a great hero of Israel, full of God's strength and blessing, Atteberry talks about the ways Samson's strength and pride led to suffering in his own life and the lives of those around him. "Very simply, I believe Samson teaches us why strong men fail."

Did you like Christopher Nolan's Batman-- the version where Batman is a hero, but at the expense of his own pain, frustration, and heartache to everyone around him? Then this book is for you! This book is not an adaptation or different version of the Biblical Samson; but Atteberry uses the stories from Samson's life to delve into the psychology of strong people, like Samson. Here, "strong people" refers to "people with strength(s)/expertise/mastery/power," not at all limited to the physical. Drawing from events in the life of Samson, Atteberry describes the psychological and spiritual pitfalls that typically face the strong, why they occur, and how to avoid or recover from them. I strongly (pun intended) suggest you check out the chapter titles.

Heard about this book on the radio one day.

[Noah Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Samson is well known, or is it? Mark Atteberry’s The Samson Syndrome invites readers to examine the lessons Samson should have learned and apply them to life today. It’s a gripping and deeply self-reflective book that challenges men to honestly examine their choices, blind spots, and spiritual weaknesses. Samson is relatable; though anointed, he repeatedly failed, yet God’s mercy and purpose still shine through his life. With practical and biblical wisdom addressing pride, lust, discernment, anger, accountability, and intimacy, this book doesn’t just inform, it calls men to live with humility, wisdom, and an eternal perspective.

This is a must read for all men. At one point, I had to put it down, step away, reflect, and pray, then come back and reread the chapter. The message hit hard because it wasn’t theoretical, it confronted me with my own weaknesses, my tendencies to rationalize, and the ways I can be distracted from God’s plan, both in my daily choices and relationships. This isn’t a crash course on Samson or on men in general; rather, it’s a theme to rally behind and reflect on, offering encouragement for daily transformation with the help of Jesus. Atteberry challenges readers to align their hearts with God’s word, lean on accountability, and cultivate an eternal perspective in every decision.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It was very easy to follow along, and there were multiple instances I was taught things I never knew before. Mark Atteberry incorporated a couple small stories in it that I remember very well. The points he makes are simple and direct to the point. He structures his book in a way that subtly draws our attention to the pride issue we all suffer with. Definitely would recommend this book to any guy I know.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main thing I got from this book was perspective. The author is really good at opening people’s eyes to the lies we tell ourselves. I almost took a star off because of the naked dude on the cover… kinda weird and kinda awkward to be seen reading it in public. But the content was excellent! I would like to read it again in the future.

[Cal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who has struggled with ego, selfishness, or lack of humility. Religious or not, you can learn a ton from the story of Samson. Definitely has a place on the shelf, with intriguing questions post-epilogue (study questions). Don’t let your thoughts or feelings on religion stop you from checking it out if you struggle with selfishness.

[Tonya Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pray many more men and women will read this book. There is a bit of Samson in all of us. This book is older so some examples are a bit dated but it in no way takes away the power of the message. This book is a must read for Christians.

[Isaac Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

U used this book as a devotional for me. IT was good. A Lot to learn and soak in.

[Kevin Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, talks about the areas in which guys can fall captive too.
It is a good book to take young guys through.

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Excellent material to learn and then pass on to others.

[Alvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Reads for all the men

[Matt Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. 2nd time reading. Did it as a bible study with some co-workers. I highly recommend this book to all men.

[Jay Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and practical. I think this is a must read.

[Danny Luhrsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pellucid and on point with any strong man that reads this! Crazy how much this book can align with oneself, God, Jesus, and scriptures meshed into this thing called life.

[Earl Pestano · Rating 3 out of 5]

not his best book, but highly convicting and informative as well. A cautionary tale to our times.

[Melissa Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written for men, but it was still good insight. Highly recommend.

[Ricky Terrones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical, a little dated for me for different examples and stories. But a good read nonetheless.

[Gray Kingrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gift to me from a friend. Practical in use

[Scott Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of how being strong in your own eyes can keep you from leaning on God's strength, as well as how men struggle specifically in certain areas

[Adam Bloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile book for any man to read.

[Mike Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many men feel invincible but deep down struggle with many things that make them feel like weak failures. In The Samson Syndrome, Mark Atteberry addresses several lessons men can learn from the baddest boy of the Bible, Samson.

Samson was strong, but he failed mightily. In the end, he stood strong to be who he was created to be and was honored for it. That is our call too. I liked The Samson Syndrome. It was a fun, quick read with some really funny stories scattered among the helpful advice. I found out this is a re-release of the book with the same name from 2003.

I also really enjoyed the study of the man Samson. It is not very often we get a book that goes in-depth into a biblical person and gives us advice how to avoid their pitfalls in a way that is so practical and biblical. For a book that was released 10 years ago, this was a refreshing read and feels just as relevant today. I really give Atteberry a lot of praise for this book.

I give The Samson Syndrome 4 out of 5 stars.

*****
I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson Publisher's Booksneeze review program. I was not required to write a favorable review. I was only asked to be honest. The words are my own.

[Arsenio Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! This book is a total eye opener, what a way to put the struggle of the average man in perspective. It touch basically every aspect of hu”MAN” error, sex, lust, power, arrogance, sin, greed, love for money etc, you name it it’s probably in there. What a well written spiritual book. If you need a boost in self confidence and if you think there’s a missing link in blocking you from receiving your ultimate blessing why not pick up this book and guild your life back on the right track….. Great Book!

[Joe Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

a reflective book for men to ponder as we endure the nature of our creation, built with passion, pride, and lust we are easily convinced that we are gods of our own making and forget that we have a redeemer readily open to love and care for us. We can make such an amazing impact on the world if we only realize the potential that exists in Christ Jesus.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend that every guy read this book. By taking a look at Samson, the author makes us look at ourselves and how far we have to go to become more Christ-like. He makes us look at our weaknesses and realize we can only find true strength in Christ.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Samson Syndrome" is an excellent men's study because every Christian man who is completely honest with himself will find more of Samson's faults in himself than he prefers to admit. The books is an easy read but is packed with clear, practical, biblical teaching.

[Mr Crider · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book but only for strong willed men we will see ourselves all others will be bored to bits

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Motivational book for guys, great for women to look into the minds of a certain type of guy!
I'm a macho guy, but have learned a lot from this book.

[Troy Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book that is an eye opening. I like how the writer takes the weaknesses of Samson and apply them to everyday lives of men. I highly recommend this book.

[Ronnie Dugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read