quote:

ORIGINAL: vincentML

quote:

I always understood the kingdom of god and the devil resided within the self, the god the christians worship is in us and outside of us, so that being the god is us, as is the devil and we should guard ourselves for what we are and how we appear to others.

This is an interesting and historical dichotomy that was developed (possibly originated) from the Hellenistic philosophers (Plato, Aristotle) which influenced Christianity through the middle ages and lead, some say, to the elevation of the spirit (good) and debasement of the materialistic flesh/sex (bad) resulting in roaming northern european cults of flagellants and other ascetic self-deniers.

Early on it was also a strong theme among the Christian Gnostics, was it not, who in turn were probably influenced by Eastern Gnostics. I have read that there were a variety of gnostic cults in Asia Minor during the first two centuries CE and possibly before. I can see the lingering influence on our sexual mores can't you? [:)]