According to the US Department of Education?s National Center for Educational Statistics, ?a public charter school is a publicly funded school that is typically governed by a group or organization under a legislative contract or charter with the state or jurisdiction. The charter exempts the school from selected state or local rules and regulations. In return for funding and autonomy, the charter school must meet the accountability standards articulated in its charter. A school?s charter is reviewed periodically (typically every 3 to 5 years) by the group or jurisdiction that granted its charter and can be revoked if guidelines on curriculum and management are not followed or if the standards are not met (U.S. Department of Education 2000).?

The Apostle Paul completes his lessons on the characteristics of Love, then begins discussion on tongues & prophecy in worship.

In 2001, Professor of History, Alvin J. Schmidt, published his important book, Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilization. Among other parts of his argument, Schmidt demonstrated how Christians manifested a care for and respect for the dignity and worth of human beings in the Greco-Roman world. Christians cared for ?throw-away? babies, the sick, the poor and the elderly in the ancient world. He also demonstrated how Christianity affirmed the dignity, worth and freedom of women in the ancient and modern world. The record of Christianity in founding hospitals, health clinics and the general improvement of health care is nothing short of astonishing. Further, Christianity pioneered the founding and promotion of higher education all over the world, but especially in western civilization. Christians also were leaders in the founding of modern science, theory and research.

Paul continues his teaching on Love, as he breaks down the characteristics of love that Christians should have for others.

With the flight of the former president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, a few weeks ago, Vladimir Putin moved his troops into Crimea, in southern Ukraine, and thereby created an international crisis. It is an act of aggression. It is a provocation. It is an act of bullying by a weak, narcissistic autocrat. But it is also one of the most serious developments in this already troubled young 21st century. This crisis says much about Putin, much about the European Union (EU) and much about the US. Let me explain.

Ethically speaking, does the end always justify the means? Does a seemingly good end (having healthy babies free of all genetic disorders) justify the means (in vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, etc.)? Reproductive and Genetic Technologies have empowered humans to a degree unimaginable only a few years ago. These technologies are also empowering parents to decide what kinds of children they want. Therefore, these technologies raise profound ethical questions, including ethical questions about the human embryo.

1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to & quoted as a chapter above “love”. In reality, Paul’s message in this chapter is focused on using one’s Spiritual gifts in loving ways towards God & others. Dr. Eckman shares Paul’s lesson and begins in-depth discussion on the characteristics of Love.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been controversial since it was passed in March of 2010. It was designed to completely reform the American health care system, with the US government providing subsidies and penalties to fund and enforce these reforms. Among others, these are the salient aspects of the ACA as a reform mechanism: