“Hundreds of Arab Christian demonstrators clashed with police in Haifa on Friday over a museum`s display of a sculpture depicting Ronald McDonald, the mascot of the fast-food giant, on a cross, amid calls to remove the artwork that some have called offensive.
Police said a few hundred protesters tried to force their way into the Haifa Museum of Art during the demonstration and that three officers were injured by rocks hurled at them.
The Times of Israel
The Holy Land is a tinderbox of religious passions, the slightest perceived provocation can result in a holy conflagration.
If the sculpture of Ronald McDonald on a cross was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City even the most devout Christian would shrug, but in Israel it ignites sectarian violence.
Protesting art because it`s offensive makes as much sense as protesting streetwalkers because they are scantily attired. Great art, not implying that the Ronald McDonald sculpture is a masterpiece, is often offensive. Art often takes us out of our comfort zone, and makes us ponder difficult issues.
A superficial reaction to Finnish artist Jani Leinonen artwork is that he`s suggesting that Jesus is as much a clown and a fictional character as the McDonald`s mascot.
A more nuanced interpretation is that Jesus Christ, the sinless One, died for our sins, but Ronald McDonald the mascot of a greedy international corporation is crucified for hastening the death of millions around the world. You don`t need to be a physician or a nutritionist to realize that fast food leads to obesity and premature death.
Some prosperity Gospel ministers believe that Jesus didn`t just die for or sins, but that he died for diseases as well, and all you need to do is to claim healing in the name of Jesus.
Ronald McDonald didn`t take upon himself every disease in the world, quite the opposite he promotes diseases by shilling for McDonald`s.
In my humble opinion the Ronald McDonald sculpture is a serious work of art, and it merits contemplation and appreciation. The Arab Christians should chill the hell out.
Link to pic of Ronald McDonald on a cross:
