Thank You Bill Cosby

The Peoria Association Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal wishes to thank comedian and actor Dr. Bill Cosby for his reflections of his past, the community and our collective future in the education of our children.

On Monday Jan. 19th 2009 Dr. Cosby was the guest speaker at the M.L. King Jr. Holiday celebration held at the Peoria Civic Center. Born in the late 1930's Mr. Cosby's reflections of his personal experiences and family members went back more than 2 generations to his Grandfather who was born in the 1800's. It was from this wealth of wisdom and experience that Dr. Cosby conducted his speech to an audience of over 2000 and a parent session with children of over 100 afterward.

To diffuse any negative overtones normally associated with Dr. Cosby's presentation, it should be noted that he often spoke poignantly and clearly regarding the current condition of the modern family and the historical problems associated with childhood abandomnent, neglect and sexual abuse. Dr. Cosby also offerd a range of examples including white and black individuals for the purpose of his speech and encouragements, and consequentely comments were directed across the board to all citizens who would seek to understand the resultant problems of very difficult and sometimes highly sensitive situations that he addressed.

One of the issues that Dr. Cosby clearly identified as both problematic to his family and the community in which he grew up was the rampant and devastating effects of alchohol and alchoholism. He described that his passion to speak to the community was born out of situations in which he and his siblings witnessed his father abuse his mother while under the influence of alchohol and further cause the family to be displaced both physically and financially because of this choice. As an association of Pastors we reverberate those same sentiments because the effects of alchoholism are readily seen within the Peoria community and even so it seems that the city is intent on siding with liquior expansion. As an association we stand firmly against such efforts to expand what is called the 4 AM zone.

Dr. Cosby also distinguished the difference between past generations and current culture which seeks to glorify negatives and cling to harmful images of death destruction and mysoginistic attitudes towards women. For those who have studied this issue it is easy to observe that his comments were directed toward the current inculturations and trends that we see that encompass racial and gender boundaries. One such study that I have done can be found both HERE and HERE.

Dr. Cosby also gave wonderful examples of how education can reach and lift our children. In a stunning example Dr. Cosby pretended to be a student and asked a teacher to explain why he should learn and be excited about learning math. After some consternation and a few failed attempts to provide a motivating answer, dr. Cosby explained that the modern teaching professional must approach their student with the same enthusiasm with which they approach their profession. In other words if the teaching profession is not excited about what they do, how can they expect the student to be excited about it? Secondly, he explained that from the chair that the student sits in unto the lights that hang in the ceiling that math was used to make it all work. Third, he also explained that even the video games that many of our children commonly play was based on mathematical equations and individuals who loved and understood math enough to not only shape their financial futures but the future of nations.

Dr. Cosby's visit was more than worth the time effort and energy to bring him here and his message was highly on point and pertinent to our current situation. We encourage Peoria School District 150 to involve themselves more in the philosophical views of Dr. Cosby. In contrast to the Pacific Institute, we find Dr. Cosby's material to be more in line with what students from a diverse setting actually need, more in tune with the devastating effects of life situations on the classroom educational environment and most importantly NOT a religious or humanism indoctrination effort that the Pacific Institute has peddled to PPSD 150.

Therefore we wish to thank Dr. Cosby for his appearance and in our opinion he can't return quickly enough to provide more educational insights and wisdom.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Exec. Director

Peoria Pastors Support Darin LaHood For Peoria County States Attorney

The Peoria Association Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal proudly announces it's endorsement of Darin LaHood (Darin & His Family Pictured Left) for the office of Peoria County States Attorney.

Mr. Lahood has delivered a plan to the association which we feel is in the best interest of the entire community at the grass roots level.

Not only has Mr. LaHood promised to diversify the current States Attorney's office by seeking qualified minorities to fill positions of significance, but he has also committed to create a community field liaison which will help sort through specific issues within the community potentially resolving problems in their infancy. This open communication between governmental officials and grass roots organizations such as ours excites us the most about Mr. LaHood's plan and vision for the future of the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office.

One might wonder why Pastor's are interested in who is in this office and how it is run. The States Attorney's Office is a very important office and one vital to community growth in our opinion. There are numerous reasons that Pastors and grass roots organizations should be involved in this effort. Some of them are outlined as follows:

1. The highest per ca pita ratio of individuals prosecuted through the Peoria States Attorney's Office are poor and minority individuals. That same group does not receive it's fair share of representation when it comes to claims submitted for justice. In fact, we have received numerous complaints that current the States Attorney's Office, under Kevin Lyons, refuses to prosecute certain claims of individuals. Those complaints to our office are overwhelmingly from poor and minority individuals.
2. The States Attorney's Office has been totally unresponsive to our requests for intervention into current problems involving alleged police brutality by the Peoria Police Dept. and other issues in which we have requested assistance from the office. On at least 3 occasions I (Pastor Harvey Burnett) either called or faxed the office requesting direct intervention or involvement in certain situations. To date we have received NO RESPONSE from any member of the current States Attorney's Office.
3. For over a year, we have requested an open line of communication with City officials in order to address problems and brainstorm to resolve and possibly prevent certain issues of crime and unrest within the community. This approach in our estimation is essential to not only information proliferation, but to the safety, growth and health of the entire community. The current States Attorney, Kevin Lyons, by his own words and actions does not feel that this approach is essential or necessary.

In light of these issues and others we feel that it is best to pursue new leadership within the Peoria County States Attorney's Office and after numerous meetings with Darin Lahood in which he voluntarily laid out a plan, we are pleased and excited about the current opportunity to make the community a better one for all of it's citizens.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Exec. Director Peoria Assn. Of Pastors

No Compulsory Religious Education

This letter is in response to the article "Teach children the facts about all of the world’s religions" by Phil Doubet Sunday June. 1st 2008.Pg. A –5 in the OP ED section of the Peoria Journal Star.

Mr. Doubet’s article was based partially on a potpourri of theistic criticisms currently levied by leading atheists such as Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Professor Richard Dawkins. Specifically, Mr. Dawkins in his book "The God Delusion" strongly suggests that rearing children religiously is a form of child abuse. This dogmatism however is unsupported by evidence, and is meant to be more sensational and emotional than factual.

This is why it is quite disturbing to see that Mr. Doubet perpetuates these fallacious and disingenuous arguments. Mr. Doubet paints his portrait of deception on a flawed canvass by referring to the imputation of religious values as "indoctrination" and further uses the broad brush of stereotypical criticism to suggest that religious parents do not teach their children to think critically about religion. This is coupled with the statements that religious parents have "violated the basic rights" of children and stripped them of their "innocence" by teaching them religion at all. As a final insult the suggestion is made that religious people do not live "useful" lives because of our inability to think critically and develop our minds.

In between his religious insults Mr. Doubet offers a solution posed by Daniel Dennett, a cognitive psychologist, who feels that education on all religions should be a mandatory and compulsory part of all public and private school educational curriculums. As set forth in the article, broad religious information and education superficially appear as if it may have some merit. However, the true purpose of this entire suggestion is revealed in the following statement, " By teaching our children the facts of religion, and only the facts, we can defend against the future excess of it." In essence the true aim is to cause one to question all religious beliefs and therefore minimize the impact and proliferation of religion in general.

Surprisingly it was atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair who in 1963 won a landmark decision (Murray v. Curlett) that effectively banned religion from public schools. It is quite a conflict that the new atheist strategy is to reverse current law by reverting back to a form of pre 1963 public school agenda. In essence Mr. Doubet suggests that educators use a method of religious eclecticism to level the playing field by teaching only "the facts" of all religions. This is a daunting, if not impossible, task for any number of reasons.

At What Age Does This Religious Education Begin?

Quite interestingly, the very complaint that is leveled against religious parents becomes this idea’s first impassable obstacle. Under Mr. Doubet’s construct the Public School system would possibly be engaged in "violating the rights" of children and "stripping them of their "innocence" by instituting Compulsory Religious Education at too early of an age.

Who Screens Information?
A Director of Compulsory Religious Studies would have to be added to the Public School payroll in order to screen material insuring suitability for classroom education. Will this person be a minister or secular educator? Either way religious studies administration at a public school level under current law is highly problematic.

Who Compiles and Packages Information On All Religions For The Public Schools?
Most individuals involved in the study of religion on a full time basis often spend years if not lifetimes doing so. Compulsory education as Mr. Doubet and Mr. Dennett suggests not only is problematic but a time consuming issue that would demand more from both students and teachers than what a pre-graduate level education is designed to accomplish.

Who Determines The "Facts" Of A Religion?
Mr. Doubet suggests that only "the facts" of all religions be taught. This is a highly subjective pursuit, as many religions (if not all) believe their entire system to be factual. For example, within Christian religion, it is "fact" that Jesus not only lived, but was God and that he died for the sins of humanity and was resurrected the third day as proof of his power and authority over sin, death and life. These are facts of the Christian religion. The facts are further supported by verification of eyewitness testimony, and from other biblical and non-biblical sources and events. Can we expect that Mr. Doubet under his construct, is willing to include within his brand of "fact-based" religious education, these material "facts" of the Christian faith?

Another example; in the Jewish faith, Moses and Abraham are not mythic characters and the Kingdom of Israel under David’s reign is not a fairy tale. Is Mr. Doubet willing to concede these "facts" in his suggested educational curriculum?

I believe that the answer to both these questions is a resounding NO. In Mr. Doubet’s view, "facts" are limited by the belief of antisupernaturalism which reduces spiritual, codes and the acts of God within all religions exclusively to naturalistic and human efforts. This approach to religious material in general is very disingenuous and is a deliberate attempt to confuse and moderate the student, not educate them. In essence, a system implemented as he suggests, under current law, would be the ultimate in neglect, abuse and psychomanipulation of impressionable school-aged children.

Solution
Both religious and non-religious families should continue to build a sound foundation of moral values for their children. Religious families should continue to build a solid and strong foundation based on religious values and scriptures that have met and satisfied spiritual yearnings over the years.

It is beyond the current duty of the public school system to introduce morality and religion to our children in any form. We do not want state sponsored, socialist, religious agenda or dogmatism taught to our children under the guise of educational psychology. Our children are a captive audience, and our schools do good to teach reading, writing, and arithmetic while maintaining the necessary standards of education and the broad competitiveness that is essential in the modern workplace environment.

The loving, private, moral, and religious based education and training of our children does not damage or abuse them. Religious education should be reserved for parents, families, and community based institutions such as churches, synagogues and mosques which are yet among the most effective methods of social education and character building within the context of American society. Thank you.

Pastor Harvey Burnett
New Bethel COGIC
Bethel Epiphany COGIC
Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal

Response To Lou Tice & The Pacific Institute

Pertaining to Mr. Tice's apologetic, I can only say that either what he writes is not accurate or what he says is not accurate. He cannot have it both ways.

First, there is nothing wrong with positive thinking and planning for success. Those are standard aspects of any motivation program. Our children should be encouraged that they can dream and have vision for the future and that educators should not give up on them. Those are the only aspects of his program that Mr. Tice advocated Thursday at the Peoria Civic center. Why would anyone expect to hear anything other than the positive on the initial pass? He’s a salesman and a salesman’s job is to first get your attention, then sell while your emotion is high.

Mr. Tice's problems with his program are beyond mere positive confession. Contrary to his statements made to the PJSTAR and WEEK, Mr. Tice knows EXACTLY what is meant by "New Age"...the mere fact that he "heard it 15 years ago" (As he says in the same sentence) is the best indicator that he is fully aware of what I’ve mentioned. Mr. Tice counts on no one else knowing what "New Age" means. This is why Mr. Tice must convince anyone challenging his teachings of their "ignorance".

Secondly, "New Ageism" is an eclectic psudospirituality and is inappropriate in the classroom in a Public School setting. The reason I say psudospirituality is because the axis IS NOT based on spirituality, but on humanity. Spirituality is simply a means to the end of exalting and deifying humanity. In the Pacific Institutes case, The Mind and Mind Dynamics, are the pinnacle of existence and ultimate control of mankind. These concepts are repeated over and over in the material.

Third, Mr. Tice introduces his eclecticism by introducing the Buddhism in his materials, although, any philosopher could have been quoted the Pali Canon is directly quoted in his material. The quote from the Pali Canon is not accidental, it is intentional,

"All that is comes from the mind; it's based on the mind, it is fashioned by the mind"

Pali Canon 500-250 BC

This is Buddhism 101. Buddhism basically teaches that humanity at a certain conscious state is divine. The object is to gain affirmations that "The Mind" is the vehicle from where ALL reality and fiction flows. In this construct even God and God concepts come from the mind and are created by humanity. This is the humanist theme song as outlined by Paul Kurtz in the humanist Manifesto 2000. There is an ongoing debate in Christian circles as to how for to go with these teaching, but the point is clear, for Mr. Tice to say he doesn’t know what’s being said is deceitful to say the least.

Fourth, Mr. Tice is not just making educational statements within the context of the classroom, he's making theological statements which are not denied when he says, "Good theology and good psychology go together." In his worldview the mind dynamics run along side spiritual dynamics with a healthy mind giving way to healthily spirituality.

Even though he hasn't read the material as I have, a responder to the Peoria Journal Star’s blog gave one of the best comments concerning the issue. He said this,

"I think the concern here is that this program goes beyond visualization to the

belief that reality can be literally manipulated by how one thinks."

That statement is totally correct. This is the 21 Keys program and outlines the complete deception of Mr. Tice. The program states,

"This whole curriculum is designed to help you achieve what you want to achieve. You don’t

need more education, you need a vehicle to help you reach what it is you desire." Pg. 103

This is NOT limited to education, test scores, positive thoughts or anything of the sort. This is a overarching life statement. "Visualization" and "feeling the emotion" are only methods to help individuals achieve "what you want".

Now if you don’t know how mysticism works, you have no clue or the foggiest idea of what I’m talking about. But the whole concept of "achieving desires" and "subconscious reality" is an eastern metaphysical thought system and is unworthy of the Public School Educational realm.

Fifth, the program says this about using thought and visualization:

"Now remember we’ve spoken a little bit in the past about the Pygmalion principle. What you’re going to do is you’re going to Pygmalion your day. You’re going to sculpt your day, you’re going to create your day with your thought." Workbook Pg. AJ-5

One may say that the material is only referring to planning your day…NO. He is a "modern psychologist" as he claims who certainly knows the difference between "planning" and "CREATING" as his material specifies. His program is designed to imprint the subconscious and manipulate actions through the medium of visualization and affirmations that sway individuals away from current truth into new subconcious realities and suggestions.

IN PRINT, his program encourages elements of Eastern Mysticism and other humanistic dynamics NOT just visualization, in order to create "reality on the subconscious level."Pg. 65.

This is indoctrination to religious/ humanistic psychomanipulation. His program is complete with information on identifying "alpha-states" and other mind-altering techniques.

In his public speaking Mr. Tice does what salespeople do, sell their products.

Finally, Mr. Tice states the following:

"His ignorance is obvious about how the mind works and modern psychology,".

Although this is hardly the terminology that a top psychologist is trained to use, (and that is with intention) as a lay person I am personally and fully aware of the Gestalt psychology and psychotechnologyies that the 21 Keys program is based on. I am also fully aware of the flow of current information into the field of modern psychology. These studies are not new, however theories have been revised to fit a popular audience. Some theories are very helpful others leave much to be desired. In the end of the 21 Keys program "creative expression" is not the aim, subjection and ultimately control is.

No matter what happens, Peoria will not be able to say that it was not given the information necessary to be able to discern the truth of Mr. Tice’s program. I expect If a person approaches this program with their critical thinking capacities, they should be able to distinguish when the line is being crossed from mere positive motivations to mysticism and religion. All I can say is that my children will not be subject to the use of the 21 Keys.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

We Say NO To The New Age & The 21 Keys Program Pt. 1

"All that is comes from the mind; it is based on the mind, it is fashioned by the mind."

The Pali Canon, 500-250 B.C.
(In Unit 5- How The Mind Works)

21 Keys Pg. 37

It has come to my attention that Peoria Public School District 150 (PPSD) has come to an agreement with The Pacific Institute of Seattle, Washington founded by Mr. Lou Tice, to provide certain educational training services. We also understand that the District plans to make training mandatory for all employees of PPSD.

We further understand that the goal of PPSD is to use the strategies and techniques contained with Pacific Institutes 21 Keys program in the class room, encouraging teachers to share what they’ve learned and implement strategies with students.

For reasons I will outline in this very important critique, the complete scenario is of great concern to me personally, as a parent, and also as a spiritual leader of the community. It is my hope that you will take this information and evaluation seriously and make bold moves to distinguish the PPSD 150 from the potential harmful material that the Pacific Institute offers our teachers and students.

The New Age Humanist Movement & Mind Cults

The New Age is not really new. It arose gradually and almost imperceptibly out of the hippie movement spawned during the turbulent decade of the '60s. Building on the foundation of the '50s' beatniks, who were into Zen and other forms of Eastern spirituality, the hippies eventually grew up to enter the corporate world, often taking with them their mystical spiritual and philosophical worldview.

During the '70s the so-called "Human Potential Movement" came to the fore, led by Erhard and est (and its later incarnation, the Forum, marketed through Transformational Technologies). Erhard has acknowledged that est was most heavily influenced by Zen, Mind Dynamics, and Scientology. Other influences were the German atheist philosopher Nietzsche, the Indonesian occult movement Subud, and the Hindu gurus Swami Muktananda and Satya Sai Baba. Other similar human potential programs and training firms established about the same time or since are Lifespring (John Hanley), Insight (John- Roger Hinkins: Movement for Spiritual Inner Awareness), Actualizations, Krone Training, PSI World, Pecos River Institute, Sportsmind, and the Pacific Institute (Lou Tice).

Underlying all of these programs, to one degree or another, are the following concepts:

All of reality is part of one essence.

This is the Eastern philosophical view known as monism which teaches that "all is one." In other words, there is no ultimate distinction between God and creation, or between one individual and another. The distinctions we see are unreal or illusionary. This means (among other things) that God and man are the same

"If you don't see me God, it's because you don't see yourself as God," Shirley MacLaine told an attendee at a seminar in the New York Hilton.

A common New Age theme is that if man is God, (and the belief is that he is) then man has unlimited potential, able to accomplish anything he desires and/or is able to visualize. Finally, portions of Gestalt psychology are used in most modern New Age psychological programs. The significance of Gestalt was basically that the whole was representative of the group. Therefore the individual was less significant than the group. This psychology, which is the root of the 21 Keys program has been historically proven to be dangerous and harmful to ethnic groups in particular.

Both the concepts of unlimited potential and the creation of what one desires seethe through the 21 Keys Program from beginning to end:

21 Keys Pg. VII ~ "21 Keys for High Performance Teaching and Learning is grounded in the theory and applied research of the world’s leading research psychologists who are convinced that we all have far greater potential than we use. Employing, as foundation, the research of Dr. Albert Bandura at Stanford University, Dr. Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Gary Latham at the University of Toronto, the content of this course, and The Institute’s elementary age curriculum, is based on observations that:

• Children have much more potential that they are currently using.
• Each child has a sincere desire to use more of this untapped potential.
• Children often limit themselves by their negative self-talk.
• Beliefs are formed with this self-talk, limiting opportunities for positive growth and change throughout life.
• All children can change themselves by changing their beliefs."

"We’re going to get into self-image, comfort zones and how to expand and grow and stop inhibiting ourselves so much. This is the whole idea of what we’re trying to explain to people. We have enormous potential, but the way we think blocks us. If we change the way we think, we change the way we act. Change the way we think, we change the way we live." 21 Keys Pg.29
"This whole curriculum is designed to help you achieve what you want to achieve. You don’t need more education, you need a vehicle to help you reach what it is you desire." 21 Keys Pg. 103
Philosophical Aim:
New Age philosophy teaches that humanity must undergo a "paradigm shift," a drastic change in the way we view the world around us. As New Age populist Marilyn Ferguson wrote,

"A paradigm shift is a distinctly new way of thinking about old problems... A new paradigm involves a principle that was present all along but unknown to us. It includes the old as a partial truth, one aspect of How Things Work, while allowing for things to work in other ways as well. By its larger perspective, it transforms traditional knowledge and the stubborn new observations, reconciling their apparent contradictions..."

This paradigm shift is accomplished by any one or more of numerous "psychotechnologies." These "intentional triggers of transformative experiences" include "sensory isolation and sensory overload...; biofeedback...; autogenic training...; 'consciousness-raising' strategies...; hypnosis and self-hypnosis...; meditation of every description: Zen, Tibetan Buddhist, chaotic, Transcendental, Christian, Kabbalist, kundalini, raja yoga, tantric yoga, etc...; Sufi stories, koans, and dervish dancing...; seminars like est, Silva Mind Control, Actualizations, and Lifespring...; Arica, Theosophy, and Gurdjieffian systems...; Logotherapy...Primal Therapy...Gestalt therapy...; Science of Mind...; A Course in Miracles...," etc.

The frequent result of all such techniques is that the individual comes to sense the dissolution of his person and a oneness with the Universe, referred to in Eastern religions as enlightenment, cosmic-consciousness, or God-consciousness or Nirvana.

We hold that 21 Keys is an initiation, or what I have called a "baptism" into the teachings of the New Age and a shift from traditional Western cultural values. The facilitators and evangelists of this program are teachers at classroom level. The targets are unsuspecting children at the expense of families of all socioeconomic and ethnic classes.

At best the Pacific Institute Programs are humanistic philosophies, at worst they are an cultic religious constructs, designed to slowly and effectively turn individuals away from historical and traditional values, which the program views as "negative". The aim is to turn individuals toward "New Age" and humanistic value sets. Spiritual values are also considered enemies and inhibitors to effective growth under the 21 Key program.

An example of this was found in the materials developed by Tice and used for Rockwell aerospace employees. Similar to the 21 Keys program, there are historical and philosophical quotes throughout the program. There is a quote by William Penn that would seem to affirm Mr. Tice’s statements regarding his beliefs and intents:

"Man must choose to be ruled by God or he's destined to be ruled by a tyrant and then might makes right."

In seeming contradiction to this in the same manual, there is a trainee affirmation as follows:

"I choose to treat myself with dignity and proceed to move toward full love, wisdom, freedom and joy, knowing that I am the authority over me"

Maybe Mr. Tice on one hand may acknowledge God but is saying that he has chosen NOT to be ruled by God, in any event he declares his authority over himself.

Similar to 21 Keys, the Rockwell training relied heavily on self-image psychology and says that the campus is:

"conveniently located inside yourself." Louis Tice, "New Age Training for Achieving Your Potential" (Seattle: Pacific Institute, 1980)

21 Keys changes the wording somewhat but the concept remain the same:

"Now you’re going to unlock the future for them, and that’s what I love about it. You’re going to give them ideas, fundamentals that are just so natural inside of children who have somehow been blocked and don’t even know it. When you are able to do this, you’re going to make them come alive for the rest of their lives." 21 Keys, pg. 23 (In his Lock in/Lock out concept as it pertains to children)

As noted the same primary staples of the 21 Keys program are similar to other programs that have been considered purely and obviously New Age. Some of the programs notably eastern religious metaphysical concepts are as follows:

• Assimilation
• Visualizations
• Affirmations
• Feel The Emotions

Assimilation: Pulling ideas into the subconscious realm of our cognitive process therefore making new visions a part of our lives.

Visualizations: To recall of form mental images from the imagination; to make perceptive to the mind; forethought; mental stimulation. Creative visualization is often a means of unblocking or dissolving barriers that we ourselves have created.

As mentioned this technique is a staple of most all New Age and occultic philosophical concepts.

Affirmations. Usually found in religious materials and circles, the Pacific Institute has redefined affirmations as follows for this program: "A cognitive act that establishes a specific course, direction, outcome or state of being for the future; a confirmation or ratification of a truth. Affirmations are written and spoken in the first person, present verb tense to emphasize their attainability."

What is "affirmed" is the belief in "self" or "self capability". In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with anyone being encouraged to increase their self-confidence, however, this program moves beyond mere self-confidence into a redefinition of values and "truths".

Upon closer examination PI’s definition of Affirmation is in part, "a confirmation or ratification of a truth" PI holds that all truth is relative to our preconceived notions, perceptions, belief systems and are therefore non-static and expendable:

"We are acting in accordance with the truth as we believe it; that’s the whole premise of this curriculum. We behave not in accordance with the truth as it really is, but what we believe it to be. If it’s not the truth, it doesn’t make any difference; we’re limited by it. We’re limited by our beliefs." 21 Keys Workbook Pg. AJ 41

PI would hold that all prior beliefs or "truths" as we know them, are incompatible to future growth and development:

"Is your belief level really the truth? If you’re still stuck with a belief from your youth, even though it’s not the truth, it affects your behavior as an adult."21 Keys Pg. 47- (Unit 6 "The Truth as I know it")

"I want to give you a principle. The principle very simply, is that human beings behave and act not in accordance with the truth, but the truth as we believe it to be."…Once you get a belief in your mind, which is called conditioning, it affects the way you view the world. It affects what you see and don’t see." 21 Keys Pg. 5

Further Mr. Tice gives clear indication as to what beliefs that he personally held that were flawed and undermining to his successful growth:

"As a child, or maybe even as an adult, you outrun the flames of hell your whole life. You’re not trying to be good because of the right reasons to be good, you’re doing good so you don’t go to hell. That is restrictively motivating oneself." 21 Keys Pg. 157- (This was said specifically regarding the problems with coercive motivation)

As one can see there is ample evidence from this brief introduction to cause one to call the Pacific Institute program into question. We would like the Peoria Public School District 150 to reconsider their relationship with the Pacific Institute and at the very least NOT implement any of their programs with our Public Schools.

Due to space limitations I will not place the complete critique on this site. The booklet is available for free by emailing me at Dunamis1@netzero.com or by calling the office at 1(877)677-6599.

Pastor Harvey Burnett- Exec. Director

We Say NO To The New Age & The 21 Keys Program Pt. 2

"Feel The Emotion": The Key To Proper Assimilation


Students and teachers are encouraged to use the 3 step process to assimilate their written affirmations or vision as follows:
1-Read the words
2- Visualize or picture it
3- Feel the emotion
21 Keys Pg. 103-104

The 21 Keys program restates these same imperatives many ways. Their web-site states the following:
"Each program is focused on raising the self-esteem of the individual, as well as enhancing their self-efficacy – the individual’s opinion of their ability to make things happen."


The 21 Keys Program encourages teachers to learn how to experience and teach subconscious psychomanipulation using the psychotechnologies contained within the program:

"The best time to affirm is when you’re in what is called the alpha state, or the daydreaming state. You’re naturally at the daydreaming state just before you fall asleep at night, and usually just upon awakening. Your subconscious is much more receptive to your affirmation in this state."21 Keys Pg. 104-105

"I = imagination, V = vividness and R = reality or I x V = R. "So vividness means any time we get a clear picture with emotion and have it repeated, it becomes reality on the subconscious level." 21 Keys Pg. 65

The following are common features and characteristics of modern mind science occultic teaching and philosophies:

Meditation and Visualization (according to occultists, this is a shortcut to unlocking all the mysteries of mysticism) In the 21 Key program visualization is a major emphasis.

"You can teach your kids to stretch their comfort zones with visualization. That’s what we make affirmations for, to stretch our comfort zones. Have your students practice in their minds before they go to their next class. You’re going to be so good at this. You’re going to have them practice before they take the test, you’re going to have them practice before they get the play, you’re going to have them practice before they need to go someplace that’s new or fearful to them. You’re going to be good at this and so will all your students." 21 Keys Pg. 115

"You don’t just need to do it two times a day, you can do it three or four times. In fact the more often you do it the faster the change." 21 Keys Pg. 105 (concerning visualizations)

"How would you do this with children? You need to figure out how to get this done. We want their behavior changed, we want them to improve. Using the affirmation process, you’ll find all kinds of ways to get them to talk about how good they are. You will teach them how to write affirmation too, and how to visualize correctly and how to write affirmations in their mind." 21 Keys Pg. 106

In the corporate programs, employees are encouraged to bring their entire families. Self-image psychology is stressed as part of a new "mental tool kit." Like other psychotechnologies, the perceptions of the participants are played with in an attempt to shift their focus to "New Age Thinking."

Participants are taught that they can create their own world first on a subconcious level, by their own thought-forms and that by ignoring or downplaying negative inputs their world will become a brighter, better place.
The program is exactly the same in respect to the 21 Keys program for PPSD.

Summary: The Evidence Has Indicated The Following

• The 21 Keys program has significant and strong ties to the New Age Movement and Modern Mind Cult


• The 21 Keys Program is similar in scope and content to other programs produced by The Pacific Institute which are unambiguously New Age thoroughly presenting New Age philosophical constructs and mind altering techniques.


• The primary methods of the 21 Keys Training are based on eastern and metaphysical religious structures and mind dynamics which have been incorporated into many major Universities psychological and behaviorial health programs and curriculum.


• The 21 Keys program encourages teachers to use cognitive psychomanipulation techniques on themselves and students, and suggests that the teachers engage students with additional techniques contained within the program.


• This 21 Keys concept is filled with emotivisms, That cross feelings with thoughts and leads individuals to say ‘I feel’ when they mean ‘I think’, and then – an easy shift – to allow feeling to trump thinking, and then to replace it altogether. An example of this is:
  "Beliefs are built in 3 dimensions. 1- Words or language, 2- Images, 3- emotion or feeling which is the most powerful dimension. These 3 dimensions of thought are called "self-Talk" "another word for self-talk is, very simply, an affirmation." 21 Keys Pg.63 (This idea separates "thinking", feeling and belief and thus leads one to share how they feel as opposed to what they think.)


• The focus of the 21 Keys program is similar to that of cultic religious indoctrination practices, offering affirmations and assimilation techniques and a targeted deprogramming of traditional values. This is unacceptable at the Public School Level and could potentially be a violation of law.

Additional Resource Material:

1. http://www.pathlights.com/


2. ‘New Age Training for Achieving Your Potential’ (Louis Tice, Seattle: Pacific Institute, 1980)


3. ‘21 Keys for High Performance Teaching & Learning’ Audio Assimilation Journal & Video Resource Guide (The Pacific Institute Inc)


4. The Pacific Institute Inc., http://www.thepacificinstitute.com/


5. Cult Awareness Information Center ~ http://www.culthelp.com/


6. ‘Hidden Dangers Of The Rainbow’ (Constance Cumby 1983)


7. The Pali Canon/Buddhism ~ http://www.wickipedia.com/


8. Human Agency ~ http://www.cambridge.org/


9. The Christian Research Institute ~ http://www.equip.org/


10. ‘The New Age Movement: The Celebration Of Self’ (Paul Heelas 1996 Blackwell Publishing Pg. 63)


11. ‘The Counterfeit Christ Of The New Age Movement’ (Ron Rhodes 1990, Baker Book House Publishing)

The complete booklet and critique of the Pacific Institute's 21 Keys program can be receive for free by emailing me at Dunamis1@netzero.com or by calling the office at 1(877)677-6599.

Pastor Harvey Burnett - Exec. Director

Taking The Lead In Creating A Safer Community

The Peoria Association Of Pastors has taken the lead in promoting a safer Peoria for all of it's citizens. Not only is the Association engaged in helping address issues of crime and violence at street level, but we are also communicating with law enforcement through regular monthly meetings.

The concept of community interraction and dialogue instigated by citizens and in this case churches, is new to the City Of Peoria, but has already reaped benefits that cannot be measured. Since meetings have begun, the Association has had the opportunity to address issues of community and officer safety, community initiaives to proliferate information in order to combat crime and violence, and open discussions regarding issues of alleged Police brutality.

Although it may be uncomfortable to open the can of worms called "brutality", The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors has done so in a highly professional, non-political and above board manner.

On April 15th 2008 Pastor Harvey Burnett, Assn. Director, held a press conference to address issues and complaints of alleged brutality, many of which were presented to Peoria Police Chief Settingsgaard as early as Jan. 2008 and additionally in a meeting held Monday April 14th 2008 at the Peoria Police Department.

The press conference stemmed from the overarching need to inform the community about citizens current concerns and actions that have been taken both by the police department and the Association in addressing multiple complaints received over time. During the press conference Pastor Burnett stated the following:

"With that said, we certainly DO NOT wish to paint the picture that the Peoria Police Department is out of control or running rampant. In fact we believe that the overwhelming majority of officers protecting our homes and policing our neighborhoods are highly professional, ethical and valuable assets to the community.
However, we also believe that there are instances and times when non-professional behavior has been displayed and has assisted in undermining the public trust that the citizens must have in it’s local law enforcement agency.
We will not specifically name the victims nor the alleged offenders in this press conference. Much information has already been shared with the Police and is currently under review. We have every reason to believe that Peoria Police Chief Settingsgaard, who has embraced the opportunity to dialogue with the Pastors Assn. and the Pastoral community, will do a thorough, complete and fair evaluation of each particular allegation with the utmost integrity.
What we can share, is that based on the information that we have received, tensions have risen in some neighborhoods because of perceived unprofessional policing activities against some of our youth and has caused highly negative sentiments and rebellious actions toward authority.
In addition, there are other highly credible incidents, including one (in which an official complaint has been filed) where a reputable older aged, community member was verbally confronted in an unprofessional manner, tazed at least once from behind, prod-shocked 3 times while laying on the ground and kicked in the face while handcuffed, creating significant bruising and additional medical issues.
In this particular case, there was no drugs or weapons involved, and the person was merely responding, in a non threatening manner, to the arrest of a family member who was "facing the music" for an admitted charge.
This is particularly troubling for a number of reasons. At a grass roots level, this is a time when we are dealing with issues of trust between police and the residents of certain neighborhoods.
Many individuals who could report crime have no confidence due to what they have observed at times. As we have explained to police in great detail, these types of incidents do not foster open communication, and tend to destabilize individuals and neighborhoods emotionally.
It is our aim to foster a heightened awareness of both the problems and solutions to such behavior."

Although this issue is challenging and can be highly subjective, we hold fast to our premise that a safer community takes the committment of both the church, citizens of the community, and governmental agencies that professionally and adequately deliver services without exception. Citizens are the tax paying base on which the city and community exists. It is encumbent upon the leadership of the community at all levels to make it's best effort to accomodate the citizens they serve.

Although we feel that great efforts and strides have been and are being made we realize that there is a long way to go toward making the community better and more safe for ALL of it's citizens.

ANY citizen having experienced police abuse or brutality, and wishing to file a complaint should complete the Peoria Police Citizen Complaint Form and submit it as soon as possible. If any individual is having a problem dealing with the police directly, or simply needs assistance, information or direction, please contact Peoria Police Chief Steve Settingsgaard at (309)494-8334 or the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors at Dunamis1@netzero.com or (877)677-6599.

Peoria Fatherhood Initiative

Mr. David Young the developer of the Peoria Fatherhood Initiative, is seeking Fathers who have children that are currently ward of the State. If you are a father who in interested in pursuing relationship with your child or children please call Mr. Young at (309)636-7803 or email him at Dyoung@ccdop.org

Research has shown that an estimated 24 Million children live in homes without their natural father. There are approximately 1.1 Million children diassociated from their father in the state of Illinois alone. This dissassociation and estrangement from fathers and adequate family units has led to much of the crime and violenc that we currently witness in our metropolitan areas and cities. Please take a stand to address this by becoming involved in solving the problem.

The program is free and provides:

• Parenting Assistance
• Information of Father's Legal Rights
• An Understanding Of Child Support Regulations and Financial Responsibilities
• Employment Assistance Including Job Readiness and Placement
• Case Management & Counciling
• Educational Support Services Including GED and High School Completeion Assistance

Please see the announcement:

2008 Peoria Gun Exchange Taking Shape

The 2008 Gun Exchange will occur in 3 seperate events for 2008. There will be one exchange in each of the following 3 months:

• May
• July
• October

The announcement of specific dates and locations will be made on this site and to the media as soon as that information has been finalized.

The Pastors Association is seeking assistance from anyone who would like to be a volunteer fundraiser for any or all of the events of 2008. There will be a special ceremony to recoginize individuals who step forward in service of their community for this event and any others that the Pastors Association sets forth in 2008.

Requests for volunteer service can be made by calling Pastor H. Burnett at (309)688-6599 or by email at Dunamis1@netzero.com. For those who would like to contact us by regular mail, including those who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution toward the 2008 Gun Exchange, please use the following address:

Peoria Assn. Of Pastors
PO Box 6167
Peoria, IL. 61601
Contributions payable to: New Bethel/ Peoria Pastors
Memo:Gun Exchange

Membership in the Pastors Association is open to all churches regardless of denomination, affilliation or membership size. We encourage you to partner with us in helping to bring substantive change to Peoria and the surrounding community. Please contact Pastor Burnett at (309)688-6599 or by email at Dunamis1@netzero.com or feel free to contact any of the churches currently listed on this site for additional membership information.

Peoria Pastors Association Sets The Record Straight

In a Jan 30th 2008 article in the Peoria Journal Star, the Peoria Dream Center unveiled an idea to adress crime and violence within the City of Peoria by creating 10 church zones with the aim of serving the areas most effected by crime and violence.

Some of the responses to that article sought to impune the Black Church of Peoria for it's perceived, previous non-actions against crime and violence. This prompted the following response from Pastor Harvey Burnett the Executive Director of the Peoria Association Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal:

"The Black Church is where it has always been...in the middle of the conflict, suffering the brunt of poor education, economic and social inequity and desparity, and grappling with those who choose to self-medicate instead of address the establishment that has helped proliferate their condition.

The Black Church in Peoria arose in 2007 with an all inclusive community march against crime and violence on June 30th, and the Peoria Gun Exchange which lasted for 8 weeks out of the year and ignighted much conversation and ACTION against crime and violence to head off a RECORD year of murders within our city.

The Black Church initiated a ongoing dialogue between police and city officials as recently as 2008 to address and tackle the issues of crime and violence and strategize to include ALL churches (Black & White) in the process.

The Black Church in May of 2007 sought and ASKED for the inclusion of ALL CHURCHES in Liberate Our Youth Month. The Black Churches did then as they do for 2008, calling on all churches even those that are in areas usually non effected by the crime and violence, to JOIN our efforts in Liberate Our Youth Month May 2008 and activly involve themselves in helping provide solutions and support outreach addressing the problems we all see and are aware of.

The Black Church is on record to having stood at Peoria City Council to address the issues of liquor expansion and liquor proliferation, which facilitates crime and violence and has a detremental effect on families all over Peoria but especially on Peoria's minority and poor individuals.

The Black Church stood AGAINST liquor expansion and for the betterment of the entire community even asking for a reversal of liquor sales times to 2:00 AM instead of the current 4:00 AM. The Black Church LED this effort AGAINST the eventual direction of both the City Council, certain business owners and the liquor commission itself.

The Black Church responded to issues prevelant in our neighboorhoods at OUR OWN expense through many fine pastors and ministers at a grass roots level regardless of who participated and who didn't participate.

As you can see the Black Church's record is on file at both Peoria City Hall, The Peoria Liquor Commission, City Records and the neighborhoods in which we serve. Our actions are further well documented by the Peoria Journal Star and other fine news organizations throughout Central Illinois.

The question is, where have YOU been, and what have you contributed to OUR ongoing effort both by way of time, energy, prayers or finance?

As a church we do not suffer or accept an indictment of nonaction from any of those who have not answered the call to service or participated in assisting, in any way, those of us who have brought forth well thought out solutions and strategies to our City's problems of crime and violence. The Black Churches efforts is to help create a better Peoria for ALL men, women and families of all races and ethnicities in Peoria and to do our part in upholding and shaping the betterment of Peoria.

As you may see, the Black Church IS engaged in efforts that have ALREADY been set forth. Although the Dream Centers Actions are welcome and encouraged the reader need not think that our City is left without a witness and standard against crime and violence if any one individual or organization does not answer the call to service.

We move forward as the records reflect that we have always done, under the direction of God through prayer and against the tide of political corectness and racial segregation.

Thank you,

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Exec. Director

Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal"

The original Journal Star story can be viewed here: http://www.pjstar.com/stories/013008/REG_BFL0DE1S.033.php

Pastors Request A New Level Of Communication With City Officials

Pastor Harvey Burnett the Director of the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors, has requested the development of ongoing meetings and strategy sessions between Police, City Officials, and Association members in an effort to build upon relationships created through the Peoria Gun exchange and create winning strategies to assist the community in its fight against crime and violence.

In an email addressed to Peoria Police Chief Setingsgaard and Peoria City Manager Randy Oliver the week of Jan. 1st 2008, Pastor Burnett requested the development of ongoing meetings to address crime at a grass roots level and to create ideas that are aimed at addressing social issues, curbing crime within neighborhoods, and creating positive relationships between the police and citizens.

A meeting with Peoria Mayor Ardis has been scheduled for Tuesday Jan. 15th to discuss the issue.


Copy Of Letter To The Media:

2008 Peoria Gun Exchange On The Horizon

The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors is planning the 2008 Peoria Gun Exchange event for sometime early Spring of 2008. This may be the first of 2 events but the Pastors will make their final decisions after the new year.

There will be some modifications to the 2008 event. The 2007 event went well but ran into some administrative problems due to funding, business participation, and retail gift card provider issues.

Possible modifications may include following:

• For 2008, provide a $100 Visa or MasterCard Debit card in exchange for a qualifying weapon. In 2007 the assn. provided retail cards from individual merchants. This was restrictive for many exchange participants who wised to use the cards for multiple purposes. With the help of Rev. Mr. Vance Henry, Special Asst. to the Chicago Mayor, Peoria will be able to change the way that benefits are delivered to the participants.
  
• There will also be a greater fund raising efforts to provide the necessary cash for the complete exchange this year. Last year there were 15 IOU’s issued during the last event. There are yet 5 IOU’s that must be paid out and many of the businesses curtailed support until 2008. The Pastor’s Assn. wants to make sure this time that every participant is able to receive a gift for a qualifying weapon, so fundraising for 2008 is essential.

The Assn. is open to public and community ideas for fundraising and solicits the participation and support of both businesses and individuals. If you or your business would like to help in the fund raising efforts for 2008 or you would like to be a contributor and sponsor, please call, email or contact us in the following manner:

• Peoria Assn. Of Pastors
  P.O. Box 6167
  Peoria, IL. 61601
  (309)688-6599 New Bethel COGIC
  (309)655-0500 Kingdom Temple COGIC
  (309)673-9594 Higher Dimensions Praise & Worship
  Dunamis1@netzero.com

Peoria Journal Star Recognizes Peoria Gun Exchange As 2007 Top Story

On Sunday Dec. 30th 2007 the Peoria Journal Star recognized the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors for Community & Spiritual renewal’s 2007 Gun Exchange as the 7th out of the areas top 10 news events of the year.

The gun exchange event was also recognized in conjunction with the Peoria Mayor’s request for the community to engage themselves in prayer in order to spiritually combat the antagonists that facilitate violent crime and other behaviors harmful to our community.

We give our special thanks to the Peoria Journal Star for helping to spread the word about the Gun Exchanges and for accurately conveying the Peoria Assn. of Pastor’s role in helping to serve our community. We feel that the best is yet to come.

2007 Image Award Recipient

The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal were one of the proud recipients of the 2007 Sigma Image Award provided annually by the Epsilon ETA Sigma Chapter of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to organizations and individuals who have impacted the area in a positive manner through unselfish service to the Peoria Community.

The award was received by Pastors Assn. Exec. Director Pastor Harvey Burnett on Nov. 11th 2007 at Sigma’s 18th annual Scholarship Banquet dinner held at the Peoria hotel Pere Marquette.
Pastor Burnett cited the following in his acceptance speech:

• "Although we are not finished with our mission by any means, we are pleased that our community is now experiencing seemingly all time highs for volunteer and community service, and a desire for prayer through grass roots efforts such as the Peoria Prayer Furnace and the Peoria transformation Celebrations. Now, even our Mayor has confirmed the need for the Christian community to involve themselves in unified prayer and fellowship"~ 11/18/2007

Special thanks to Ms. Tamara Butler and everyone that recognized our efforts and made this award possible.

Gun Exchange Success & Looking Forward

The Peoria Gun Exchange has set a new community record for the collection of guns and other weapons. During the final exchange of the year held on Saturday Nov. 3rd the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors collected 69 weapons and issued 15 IOU’s for gift certificates.

This brings the 2007 totals to approximately 123 weapons. In addition, the Assn. has been responsible for distributing over $8,500 in gift cards and certificates. This figure not only represents a benefit to the participants of the exchange but also a benefit to the entire community.

What we discovered during the exchange:

There were a number of things uncovered during the exchange that neither the Pastors, police or the community expected.

• First, the Pastors were of service to the elderly in the community by helping to make their homes safer and relieve them from what many of them viewed as potentially dangerous weapons and situations.
  
• Secondly, we were of service to families with small children. Once again it was discovered that many mothers and fathers were anxious to make their environments safer by turning in unwanted weapons. We were unable to determine how many individuals made their environments safer by checking the security of the weapons in their homes, but we received many favorable commentaries from individuals who did so.
  
• Finally, many individuals just needed a little encouragement both spiritually, mentally and physically. The combination of prayer and a monetary gift in exchange for a weapon was an unbeatable combination.
  

As compared to other communities:

The Peoria Gun Exchange was intended to minister to individuals spiritually and was limited in focus. Our emphasis was on handguns and the potential problems that handguns pose to the community. The Springfield and Chicago Illinois gun exchanges were dynamic and yielded more sheer numbers but their efforts were not as targeted. We turned away many individuals with long guns and other types of weapons that were not in our target.

Notwithstanding, we are very excited about how the City Council and Mayor’s office in both Chicago and Springfield got behind their exchange efforts. The Springfield, IL. Mayor led their effort and the City contributed $15,000 without reluctance. Chicago contributed a highly significant amount of money toward theirs. In slight contrast, the City of Peoria gave $2,500 toward the Peoria effort. In all fairness, various council members gave personally toward the effort. In all, we are thankful for EVERYONE that contributed, great or small, in whatever amount they were able to.

To The Critic

First of all, crime didn’t rise in anticipation of either of our events and the weapons we took in were functional.
In addition, we simply suggest that an ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure. Our investment to curb violence may save countless lives, to which there is no dollar amount for replacement. So far as using tax dollars to fund this sort of program, the current estimate is that it takes over $30,000 annually to house a prisoner in the Illinois prison system. THESE ARE TAX DOLLARS spent at a much greater amount than either community invested in their programs. If one person is kept out of prison for 5 years, the program has more than paid for itself.

Looking Forward

We are looking forward to the 2008 Peoria Gun Exchange. Although we are developing changes in the program and the event dates, we are actively seeking sponsors and community involvement. Next years event will probably feature a debit/credit gift card as opposed to an individuals retailers card so that participants can spend money at the retailer of their choice.

Individuals and businesses wishing to be a part of this ongoing effort to bring peace and harmony to the community can contribute to the Pastors Assn. in the following manner:

Mail Contributions any amount to:

• New Bethel/Pastors Assn.
  PO Box 6167
  Peoria, IL. 61601-6167
• Memo: Gun Exchange

All contributions will be acknowledged by charitable receipt.