It's not your typical book-burning, but the meaning's the same. The Jesus Church in Cedar Rapids is getting rid of books, music, movies and clothing they say harms their relationship with God. It's drawing both criticism and national attention.

Renny Danford says this is a very personal time between her and God, "When you want to grow closer to God, there's always something there to block the way." Danford has Parkinson's Disease and says gummy peach ring candy is the temptation in her life, "If I take the sugar, it reacts with my medicine and I can't do the work I want to do."

Pastor Scott Breedlove of the Jesus Church says, "We told them to pray about it and say, is there anything in my house still that might hinder my relationship with God." It's something different for everybody: movies, music, books and candy. The church's plan to burn these things was blocked because they couldn't get a permit. So church members tossed the items in the garbage and lit candles to symbolize burning.

The church's disposal ceremony is getting national attention. CNN, MSNBC, and the Chicago Tribune all ran the story. But church members say they just want to be good Christians.

Bob Rush with the Iowa Civil Liberties Union says, "I think a larger number of people will say gosh, maybe this isn't the best way to deal with the thought, books, and writings we don't necessarily agree with."

Rush is the former board president of the Iowa Civil Liberties Union. He applauds church members for using their free speech, but thinks tossing items in the garbage doesn't make sense. He says the ideas should be debated in a public forum. "The suggestion we're back in the 17th century burning books gives sort of a palor over Iowa that we don't need."

But Pastor Breedlove says, "There's something about when you do something and take a stand publicly, God honors that." He admits it's not common, but it's something the Bible tells them to do.

Breedlove says four families offered the use of their farm for the service since they couldn't burn in town. But he says they wanted to do it at the church.