McJesus Controversy

The Independent: "Art" of Ronald McDonald as Jesus, in Israel's Haifa Museum sparks protests.

Violent clashes between hundreds of Arab Christians and police erupted in Haifa on Friday after a protest over a piece of art showing a crucified Ronald McDonald titled “McJesus".
[.]
It said the work was part of an exhibit on consumerism that “references mega-corporations’ cynical use of religious symbols.” 

Ma'an News: Haifa Museum displays other offensive "art".

Jesus Christ was depicted as a clown and as a Ken doll, while the Virgin Mary was depicted as a Barbie doll.

The “McJesus,” which was sculpted by Finnish artist, Janei Leinonen, and depicts a crucified Ronald McDonald, went on display in August as part of the Haifa museum’s “Sacred Goods” exhibit.

The display also featured a number of other pieces depicting Jesus Christ, including one as a Ken doll, while the Virgin Mary was depicted as a Barbie doll.

Patheous: Asked to remove the offensive art, Haifa Museum instead addresses violent reactions.

One of the protesters complained that the government was slow to react to their concerns because they were from the Christian minority.

    "If they put up [a sculpture of] Hitler with a Torah scroll they would immediately respond." Thursday, Culture Minister Miri Regev sent Haifa Museum director Nissim Tal a letter calling for the sculpture’s removal."

    "Disrespect of religious symbols sacred to many worshipers in the world as an act of artistic protest is illegitimate and cannot serve as art at a cultural institution supported by state funds."
[.]
...the Haifa Municipality put up a sign at the entrance to the exhibit explaining it contains potentially offensive content.

The museum also condemned the throwing of the molotov cocktail and said any objection to the piece must not be expressed violently.

    "A discourse about art, however complex it may be, must not spill over into violent territory and must be respected – even in charged situations."