Kuma's, a Chicago burger joint, decided to market a "Ghost Burger," featuring an unconsecrated host as a garnish.

Needless to say, this scheme provoked protests by Chicago Catholics.  It wasn't only the older group that was upset at this marketing ploy.  Here's an eloquent response by Justin Bartkus, a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago resident.

So here's my question:  Where is the line between good-natured joshing and offensive mocking? I don't believe that Kuma's intentionally planned to offend Catholics--it's bad business in Chicago, if nothing else.  But how do businesses, and comedians for that matter, decide where the line is?

Cathleen Kaveny is the Darald and Juliet Libby Professor in the Theology Department and Law School at Boston College.

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