Gene begins to see Finny as of some kind of "half-god" to be worshipped. Why does this happen?

Finny's character is larger than life.... he is daring, brave, and adventurous, and even more importantly, he refuses to conform and somehow always manages to avoid getting into trouble. Gene and the other boys are in awe of Finny's rebellious nature, and yet, Gene cannot understand why he seems to be the only one who sees through him.