This qualitative phenomenological research study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 21 selfdescribed practicing Evangelical Christian families who have both biological and adopted children. The participants in the study shared numerous common elements pertaining to their shared perspectives. Here, we present the results specifically related to the reported motivations of the parents for adopting children. Findings included theological motivations to adopt (i.e., perceived biblical mandate, perspective of ministry, concepts of spiritual adoption, views towards God's blessings) and a perspective that some romanticize the nature of adoption. We discuss various theological and spiritual implications of the findings in the context of biblical teachings to care for orphans and show love to underserved populations. The results also are related to research literature addressing the stress often reported by parents who adopt children.

No abstract

We address Ohio's newly enacted House Bill 153, which requires teachers in low-performing schools to retake the teaching licensure exam. Although we believe that the state legislature was well intended in passing the law, we also believe that the law is dangerous–-it should not be enacted in any further states, and it should be repealed in Ohio. We articulate the classical hallmarks of vocational disciplines that qualify to use the term “profession.” Furthermore, we advocate that Ohio's requiring experienced licensed teachers to retake the certification test affronts education's claim to possess status in belonging to a profession, thereby putting it in danger of being downgraded to the status of a “craft.”

No abstract