Bobzammel

I find that the teachings of Christianity on the relationship on one's spirit with their bodies.

In one sense, we are told that the body is pretty useless...a flimsy vessel that can do nothing but sin, sin, and sin again. The Christian is apparentally to mortify it as much as possible.
However, on the other hand, Christianity advocates freedom in eating and drinking(even alchoholic beverages are permitted-although being drunk is a sin), and also sex in marriage("The marriage bed is undefiled"). Jesus himself was thought to be a glutton and a drunkard.
It almost seems like some Gnostic elements creeped in with the first POV...any thoughts?

ManM

I think you are quite correct in identifying the conflict between the strict dualism of the first POV and the more integrated approach of the second POV. Personally, I think the first POV makes absolutely no sense within the framework of Christianity.

Marduk

I think this dualism arises from the fact that the early Christians thought the world would end any day and the Kingdom of God was at hand so drop everything the material world is useless. Then after awhile when nothing happened they had to rethink what to do about everyday life.