The New York Times best-selling author of Fireproof, Facing The Giants and more than thirty other acclaimed books–Eric Wilson has just released a new novel based on the new Pure Flix movie Samson.
The new Samson film is based on the epic Biblical tale of a man blessed with super human strength and chosen by God to deliver Israel from their arch enemies — the Philistines. But when lust, greed and pride cause him to abandon his oath to God, Samson’s life takes an epic fall from grace. After being betrayed by an evil prince and an exotic temptress, the once invincible Samson is captured, blinded, and humiliated beyond despair.
But the story does not end there. As in all generations, we get to see how God uses flawed people and leaders for His divine purposes. In the beautiful redemptive story we see how God uses imprisonment and blindness to ultimately win the spiritual victory over pride, greed and a wicked world.
This timely, powerful new movie is due in theaters February 16th. Sonoma Christian Home takes you behind the scenes, in this thought-provoking interview with author Eric Wilson about the compelling companion book, his insights on the film, and why this story is more relevant than ever.
SCH Editor at large, Dr. Diane Howard reports.
‘Samson – Chosen. Betrayed. Redeemed’ by NYT bestselling author Eric Wilson is on bookshelves now! Photo Courtesy PureFlix Entertainment
SCH: What was your response to the Pure Flix new movie Samson?
EW: I wrote the book based on the screenplay and did not see the movie until after I had written the book. I loved the movie when saw it. It captured the heart and intrigue of the story. The book and movie are each unique but are coordinated and complement each other.
SCH: What is the primary theme in the story that you wanted to address?
EW: I wanted to address the concerns of Samson’s parents as they watched their special son make bad decisions. However, God was sovereign and worked all things for good; as He does for all His people. God worked even despite Samson’s flawed character.
SCH: How is this theme relevant for today’s generation of leaders and politicians?
EW: God uses flawed people and leaders. We don’t know what God sees behind the scenes. We see in other Biblical stories, such as that of David, how God works with and through flawed people and leaders.
SCH: How is this story one of redemption?
EW: It is murky story of redemption. Despite his flaws, Samson is listed among Biblical heroes. He eventually felt and displayed God’s strength.
SCH: Do you think life’s failures can have a positive impact on our future?
EW: Life’s failures can have a positive impact on our future, if we are willing to learn from them and to grow. God is always at work, moving us toward the positive.
The upcoming movie ‘Samson’ stars Taylor James (‘Justice League’) in the title role. Photo Courtesy PureFlix Entertainment
SCH: How did you relate to the story of Samson on a personal level?
EW: In the original story Samson was buried by his brother. I added a brother to my book. This brother, much like my own brother, challenged Samson to rise up and to do what God had called him to do.
SCH: How do you use first person in your book?
EW: I use first person in Samson’s scenes and third person in the rest.
SCH: In what way did you add insight about Samson and Delilah?
EW: I tried to present them as complex, hurting characters with backstories. Samson finds and then loses his first wife. He has deep motives out of hurts. So does Delilah.
SCH: Where can audiences find your book?
EW: They can find it online, in bookstore, or on thesamsonbook.com .
“I was thrilled to tell Samson’s story,” says Wilson. “We can all relate to what a mess we can make of things at times, and here is a narrative of one of the Bible’s biggest mess-ups. I didn’t realize how much writing this book would challenge me personally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a story as timely as anything in today’s headlines.”
From his book’s Web site, Wilson says that this book and movie are about an original superhero based on the Biblical story of Samson.
He says, “…that after losing the love of his life to a cruel Philistine prince, a young Hebrew with a supernatural gift of strength is called by God to lead his people out of enslavement from the Philistine empire. But the only way he can do this is if he keeps his childhood vows and resists his own desires. When this man of unbeatable strength is detracted from his destiny by women and wine, he loses his strength and is thrown into prison. At the peak of his weakness, Samson relies on God in one last effort to avenge his people.
Millions are familiar with the Biblical epic of Samson, the divinely empowered champion of Israel. Samson finds himself torn between God’s destiny for his life and his desire for a woman with a secret. There is more to learn about Samson’s profound redemptive journey and final freedom.
New York Times Bestselling author Eric Wilson. Photo Credit: PureFlix Entertainment
Eric Wilson’s new novel illuminates the scriptural account of Samson to help readers at once understand one of the most famous Biblical stories of the Old Testament on a deeper level and to inspire them to realize that life’s failures need not define their future.
Samson is based on the powerful, Biblical epic of a champion chosen by God to deliver Israel. Samson’s supernatural strength and impulsive decisions pit him against the oppressive Philistine empire. After being betrayed by a wicked prince and a beautiful temptress, Samson is captured and blinded by his enemies. Samson calls upon his God once more for supernatural strength and turns imprisonment and blindness into final victory. There is much for us all to learn from this story.
Actress Caitlin Leahy portrays Delilah in ‘Samson.’ Photo Courtesy PureFlix Entertainment
Author Eric Wilson is a Bible scholar, husband and father with a pastor’s heart. He has profound insights into Samson’s journey and his story of heartbreak and victory. Eric Wilson’s book helps readers to understand the biblical story of Samson and Delilah on a deeper level and to teach them how to rely on God’s strength and not out own.
This book describes the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah, incorporating themes of strength and weakness, temptation and sacrifice, and an unyielding faith in the one true God. Readers can truly experience their call to greatness through resisting temptations of the flesh and using God-given strength as they trust God’s Word. Samson’s journey of passion, betrayal, and redemption inspires audiences to realize that life’s failures need not define their future. The story of Samson is gripping and applies to current issues and family challenges.
To learn more about this author, please visit Dr. Diane Howard
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