Not really. Wilde was drawn to a more medieval Catholic Church as opposed to the Anglican. The reason was simply that he always wanted a kind of perversity to follow him around - it was perfect for him to chose and "older" form of Catholocism in a very protestant country - something that, yes, would be interpreted as perverse. I do agree he was attracted to an aesthetic...but of a quite different sort. Also, he has a famous quote about abstinence being a sore on the leprous body of Christianity. Likening Christianity to a leper is not very nice. Further, he was at the least a radical socialist and at the most an anarchist - both of which promote "freedom and liberation" from religion. Next, he was an adulterer and a homosexual and flaunted it - hardly a pro-christian lifestyle. Finally, he was all about multiple sides, "costume," etc. He dabbled in many things in order to expand his persona. His interest in Christianity should be seen in that light, not as a true examination of his internal thoughts. That is why he is not a good example. Although there are plenty of others.
I agree Max, it is all in the presentation. If I'm talking with someone I genuinely care about and respect (and I know that they reciprocate those feelings) and they want to share with me things that have made their life better (be it a relationship with Jesus or a recipe for chili), that's totally cool with me. When it's done in a spirit of love and respect, it is a non-threatening gesture. But if I'm sitting in a Wendy's eating a salad and a total stranger comes up to me and tells me I need to believe in God the way he does (yes, this is a personal experience), I definitely have a problem with that. Why on earth would I take advice on spiritual matters from someone who doesn't know me or my life? At times I get the impression that some people are out there with a spiritual tally sheet trying to make their "saved soul" quota for the week. Bottom line is if someone wants to speak to me about their religion AND they are willing to accept me whether or not I agree with them, I have no problem. But when spiritual beliefs become a dividing line separating "us" from "them," I think we all lose. If we're able to disregard another person's humanity because they're just a Muslim or an infidel or a Jew or a non-believer or they're going to Hell anyway, then I think we've completely missed the true point of spirituality. P.S. I just wanted to point out that none of this was directed at you, Max. I genuinely enjoyed your company and found you to be good-hearted and incredibly respectful of others (a fine messenger for your faith, in fact).
Mrs. JB -- thank you so much...very kind of you. i agree wholeheartedly with your post...and i'm frustrated with many of the church-at-large's efforts to force-feed a relationship with Christ. again...thank you.
I agree with the aforementioned. Christianity teaches that you should help people with true understanding. Gaining true understanding of a person you have to be capable of being a source of affinity and love for one another. That is 'Love thy Neighbor'.
