Samson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood [Paperback]

Nate Larkin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2007

With no-holds-barred honesty and poignant storytelling, Nate Larkin introduces a model of community and friendship that is reinvigorating men's ministry across the country, a model he calls The Samson Society. Too many men see the biblical hero Samson as their model for manhood--a rugged individualist of the highest order. Yet, Samson's solitary successes were eventually overcome by moral weaknesses. Larkin, through the story of his own past and the stories of those in The Samson Society, offers a radical, refreshing alternative.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Currently in vogue is "the Christian Men's Movement," a reaction to the perceived feminization of Christianity and an attempt to help men realize their God-given missions in the world. Using the biblical Samson as a model, Larkin offers "The Samson Society," a coming together of evangelical men to encourage and help each other on the road to a full Christian life. Though blessed with great strength and a pleasing physique, Samson suffered from moral lapses and a lack of clarity about his mission. In the end, this would be his undoing. Larkin uses Samson's story to show how he and his fellow churchmen—the "pirate monks" of the subtitle—must focus more fully on the moral and ethical challenges of being a Christian, and less on the physical and the superficial. Describing themselves as loners, wanderers and liars, these men set out to correct their shortcomings and align themselves with what they perceive as God's true plan for their lives. Included is a plan for Christian men to begin their own Samson Society. Written in a breezy, comfortable style, Larkin offers a workable plan for men to identify their spiritual dysfunctions, though he offers little that hasn't been said by other proponents of the Christian men's movement. (Feb. 20)
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About the Author

Nate Larkin, a former pastor who earned his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, is now a freelance writer and speaking coach, as well as the founder of The Samson Society.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849914590
• ISBN-13: 978-0849914591
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars More than Talk, a Real How-To April 19, 2007

By Thomas Mckenzie

Format:Paperback

The thing that makes this book so very different than all the other Christian men stuff out there is that it gives a real how-to. This how-to is not "now go and do this and this," rather it guides the reader in how to form a vibrant community of men. Larkin has real-life, every day experience in this important thing. He doesn't write from some ivory tower. He is living what he is writing, every single day, in a real-life fellowship that he helped to start. Read this book, and then use the tools.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic, Honest and Much Needed February 27, 2007

By Auberon Quinn

Format:Paperback

Thank you Mr. Larkin for your willingness to share so much of your life's struggle. This book offers liberating truths that are most feared by our old Adversary! By removing the veil of secrecy, we truly can move toward greater freedom in Christ. The writing style is masterfully elegant and ever-intriguing, and as is promised on the cover it's never boring. Only someone who has walked down such a difficult path--and has experienced the grace daily offered to us--can speak with such honesty and joy at the same time. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever heard this lie in their mind: keep your mouth shut, this sin is too big!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to Believe February 10, 2007

By T.Jackson

Format:Paperback

I can't say that I have ever read of a modern man's confessions -and renewal- through such an interesting process, that is, Christian men regularly sharing intimate details of their lives with each other, and doing so without a leader. "Group counselling" always has a trained leader. Larkin's group is simply a group. And everything is held in true confidence. I am now participating in one of these groups, and it is having a quiet but profound impact on my life. The book reveals only the tip of the iceberg.