In contrast to his modern day followers, Jesus seemed to be politically aloof. He obviously tried hard to get converts, but he never actually tried to organize political resistance to the Romans. The whole "Give to caesar" thing actually suggests that he condoned the ancient Roman government, no matter how amoral it was. Personally, I think his goal was personal enlightenment, not social change.

Still, this extreme level of faith is, I feel, established by aggressive proselytization to people seeking some sort of purpose in life. Especially in Ohio, membership in conservative christian sects is growing because people are so disillusioned by the decay of their industrial might. Every job available has been outsourced. Now, people in desperation turn to the easiest source, an entity that they cannot sense but to whom they may place faith. In essence, they're turning to someone for companionship in a time of need and are drawn deeper and deeper into the organizations. It's a "come for the comfort, stay for the philosophy" mindset.

Then, they can't get out because these groups so polarize society that people are with them or against them. Many of these groups are so exclusive that they disdain Catholics, even the more conservative ones. If they question the rigid system, then they are ostracized, so they stay silent out of fear.