Meaning: The quote by Robert Shea sheds light on the historical conflict between Gnostics and orthodox Christians in the early centuries of Christianity. To fully understand the context and significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical and theological background of the Gnostic movement and its clash with orthodox Christianity.

The term "Gnostics" refers to a diverse group of early Christian sects that emerged in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The Gnostics believed in a dualistic cosmology that viewed the material world as inherently flawed and the spiritual world as the realm of truth and enlightenment. They claimed to possess secret knowledge (gnosis) that provided a deeper understanding of the divine and a pathway to salvation. This emphasis on esoteric knowledge and individual spiritual revelation set them apart from the orthodox Christian belief in the importance of faith and adherence to established religious authority.

The hierarchical orthodox Christians, on the other hand, represented the mainstream and institutionalized form of Christianity that eventually developed into what is now known as the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. These Christians adhered to the authority of the canonical scriptures, the teachings of the apostles, and the structured hierarchy of bishops, priests, and deacons. They regarded the Gnostic beliefs as heretical and a threat to the unity and orthodoxy of the Christian faith.

The clash between the Gnostics and orthodox Christians was not merely theological but also political and social. As the early Christian communities sought to define and consolidate their beliefs, conflicts over doctrine and authority became increasingly contentious. The orthodox Christians, backed by the power and influence of the Roman Empire, sought to suppress and eliminate competing religious movements, including the Gnostics.

The quote by Robert Shea succinctly captures the outcome of this conflict, indicating that the Gnostics were "rapidly driven out of business" by the hierarchical orthodox Christians. This metaphorical expression highlights the systematic suppression and marginalization of Gnostic communities and their teachings by the dominant forces within early Christianity.

The suppression of Gnostic beliefs and texts was a gradual process that involved a combination of theological condemnation, institutional exclusion, and, at times, outright persecution. Over time, the Gnostic writings were labeled as heretical and were actively suppressed, leading to the destruction of many Gnostic texts and the marginalization of Gnostic communities.

In the 4th century, the Roman Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity and the subsequent establishment of Christianity as the state religion further solidified the dominance of orthodox Christian teachings and practices. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, convened by Constantine, played a pivotal role in defining orthodox Christian doctrine and denouncing various heresies, including Gnostic beliefs.

The quote by Robert Shea serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often tumultuous history of early Christianity, where theological diversity and dissent were met with suppression and exclusion. It underscores the power dynamics at play within the early Christian communities and the lasting impact of the conflict between Gnostics and orthodox Christians on the development of Christian orthodoxy.

In conclusion, the quote by Robert Shea encapsulates the historical struggle between the Gnostics and hierarchical orthodox Christians, shedding light on the suppression and eventual marginalization of the Gnostic movement within early Christianity. This conflict not only shaped the theological landscape of Christianity but also influenced the trajectory of religious authority and orthodoxy within the Christian tradition.