From the Editor's Desk
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From The Editor’s Desk Claudia Alvarenga For the first time since the first publication of Saeculum journal, we held an essay contest with a monetary reward of $100 for the best essay submission of the spring 2010 term. The editorial board judged essay submissions that responded to the question: “Christianity and Politics: how are they in dialogue?” The scope of this question is deceptively broad. What is politics? As a Political Science Major, I find it difficult to pin point an exact definition that encompasses all things political. When Christianity is added to the mix, it reveals a grand array of possibilities, some of which have been captured in this issue of Saeculum. Everything from the early struggle of establishing Roman Catholicism in Canada, to how the language of evil is used in politics can be found in this issue. I am pleased to announce that Dylan Marando’s essay, “Renewed by Renewables,” is the essay- contest winner. His personal experience in the political arena as a representative of the Green Party in the 2008 Federal Elections had a direct impact on his outlook on Christianity and the environment. Looking at both the Catholic and Amish traditions, Dylan is able to come to an understanding of what some believe to be a contentious issue: whether or not it is the Christian’s place to utilize Green technologies. Annette Gagliano’s essay, “Joseph Octave-Plessis: A Cornerstone of the Catholic Church in Canada During the First Quarter of the Nineteenth Century,” is a look into the role Joseph Octave-Plessis played in helping to establish the Roman Catholic Church in early Canadian history, when the Anglican Church had a tight hold on religious power in this country. Guinevere Kern’s essay, “The Legacy of Historical Memory: The Holocaust, Identity, and the Question of Belonging in France,” evaluates the approach taken by the French political establishment in dealing with the history of World War II and the Holocaust. Another of Dylan Marando’s essays was also chosen for this issue: “Demonization in Democracy” is an insightful essay looking at the rhetoric of “evil” in United States’ politics. Saeculum would like to thank the University of St. Michael’s College, the Rabanus Project, and our loyal readers. I would also personally like to extend my gratitude to Saeculum’s Editorial Team for all their guidance and support. It has been an honour to serve as Saeculum’s editor for the 2009-2010 school year. It is my pleasure to announce that the Editor-in-Chief for the 2010- 2011 school year will be Emily Vanberkum. With the following quotation I present Saeculum Undergraduate Academic Journal, Volume 5, issue 2: “Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.” -Mohandas Gandhi Claudia Alvarenga, Editor-in-Chief, 2009-2010. Saeculum Volume 5, issue 2. 2 .