More proof that despite the tragic events of Sept. 11, too many Americans have too much spare time on their hands.

New Mexico church plans Harry Potter book burning

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico (Reuters) - A New Mexico church plans to burn Harry Potter books because they are "an abomination to God," the church pastor said on Wednesday.

Pastor Jack Brock said he would have a "holy bonfire" on Sunday at the Christ Community Church in Alamogordo in southern New Mexico to torch books about the fictional teen-age wizard who is wildly popular with young people.

"These books encourage our youth to learn more about witches, warlocks, and sorcerers, and those things are an abomination to God and to me," Brock, 74, told Reuters.

I've read all four Harry Potter books. They're fun -- nothing more. Also, I've yet to hear any reports of children wanting to become witches or warlocks because of the books. Silly is a good word for this hysteria. Stupid is a better word.

If we're going to start tossing out Harry Potter, well....The Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings, both by Christian authors, should probably follow.