Why is it that so many people like John Locke on Lost?

I recently started watching the show, and Locke creeps me out. He is kind of a "disciple" of the Island....saying stuff to Boone like, "it will show us the way." And when Desmond asks him, "are you him" upon first entering the hatch, he says, "I am" and I think his character was supposed to really believe it. Like he has a connection with the Island or something. If i was on the island I wouldn't let him be in charge of anything....except for the only thing he has ever done worth while, hunt boar. I don't like Locke at all. It boggles my mind that he is so many people's favorite character.