Gav called my attention to this post (I often check Steve’s blog….I have no idea why its not on my RSS list…maybe because I couldn’t find the RSS link,  so I just used the usual blogspot /atom.xml after the URL and it worked,  as I thought it might)

It’s hard to follow Jesus and his way of radical obedience to the way of covenant love in a land that celebrates wealth, domination, violence, and self-centered individualism. Jesus’ way of self-giving, cross-bearing love is regarded as weakness and foolishness in such a culture as ours.
There are many in America who are admirers of Jesus. His words and message of love and good news are pleasing to them. They see him as their “personal savior”, good buddy, and friend. But, as admirers of Jesus, they see no need to actually obey his commandments and teachings to “Deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow him.” and “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. … Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Admirers of Jesus see no problem with 20% of the nation holding and controlling 80% of the nation’s wealth. Over 40% of the people have no health insurance. The rich getting richer while the middle class and poor get poorer. All the while sending their young men and women to fight a futile, unjust, and illegal war. For admirers of Jesus, their admiration of him stops at the church building door. After all, it’s only between them and Jesus anyway.

Source: Accountable Discipleship (RSS)