There are many men and women I admire. Abraham Verghese mentions how he admired William Osler. But Osler very much liked the book "Religio Medici" by Thomas Browne. Written in 1647, it was a discussion of religious values and science. Verghese, author of several current books including "Cutting for Stone" was a big fan of Osler, an important pioneer in creating modern medical practices and ideas. He reasoned that if Osler had repeatedly mentioned how much he valued the 1647 book, Verghese should value it, too.
You know how it goes: You like Sam and Sam admires Robbins, so shouldn't you like Robbins, too? Maybe. Maybe there is good stuff in Robbins. There must be if Sam likes him so much. But you just can't see it? What is wrong with you?
You and Sam are different people. Sam is Catholic and you aren't. He is older than you. He had different parents, etc., etc. Your instinct may be that there is value in Robbins that you are missing. Your instinct might be, on the other hand, that Sam is a fine fellow but he doesn't see the cheap or cliche or contradictory or biased side of Robbins.
You can always keep in mind that regardless of your insight and your reaction, Robbins was a big inspiration for Sam. Every time you see Robbins or his name or his work, you will think of Sam. It makes sense to check back every now and then. It can happen that as you age, you see the value in Robbins more clearly. Over time, you may simply decide that the whole issue is over. There are, indeed, hundreds of other admirable, inspiring people that you will never even hear about.
