In this episode, we delve into "Tra anarchia e cristianesimo: la rivista D.M.C.D./CR.AN. e il movimento cristiano-anarchico," a 2019 master's thesis by Andrea Babini from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

Babini's work examines the Christian-Anarchist movement in Italy during the mid-1970s to mid-1980s, with a particular focus on the magazine D.M.C.D./CR.AN.. The thesis explores the historical context of the movement, shedding light on how key thinkers such as Jacques Ellul, Karl Barth, and Ivan Illich sought to reconcile the seemingly opposing ideals of Christianity and anarchism. Babini also investigates connections between Christian anarchism and other religions, including Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, offering a rich and interdisciplinary perspective.

The analysis of D.M.C.D./CR.AN. forms the heart of the thesis. Babini details the magazine's editorial history, contributors, and topics, highlighting its role as a crucial platform for discussing themes like non-violence, anti-militarism, pacifism, and critiques of ecclesiastical power. The thesis showcases how figures such as Massimo Pistis, Giovanni Spedicati, and Eugen Galasso contributed to advancing discourse on libertarian and anti-authoritarian interpretations of Jesus's Gospel message.

Ultimately, the thesis underscores the challenges and potential of reconciling Christianity—centered on faith in a transcendent God—and anarchism, with its focus on human-centered political activism and rejection of hierarchies. Despite these challenges, the Christian-Anarchist movement sought to bridge these systems by emphasizing shared values such as freedom, justice, and love.

Join us as we explore how this minority movement—and the magazine D.M.C.D./CR.AN.—created a space for revolutionary ideas, keeping alive a vital conversation on social justice and equality.

Read the full thesis here: https://morethesis.unimore.it/theses/available/etd-03112019-202112/