We are, of course, in the midst of the pre-Passion of the Christ landslide in the mainstream media. Doug and I could have created an entire blog just on this one issue and not get a wink of sleep for several months. So far, I have written only one column about the film -- because I am a reporter and I actually need to quote real people. I focused on the Jesuit who did the translation work for the script.

Meanwhile, it's hard to do journalism when no one can talk, other than the angry people on both sides who are in the midst of fundraising heaven.

I have been fascinated by the lack of critical voices among conservative Protestants. At some point, the overwhelming Catholic symbolism is going to tick off a really conservative Reformed Protestant and the fur will fly somewhere online. I would keep an eye on the letters pages of World magazine and its blog.

And I have also been searching for commentary on the orthodox -- small or large "o" -- side of Judaism.

Two of the best pieces I have found are:

* David Klinghoffer, on what Jewish scriptures have to say about issues related to the Passion.

* And Dennis Prager, on the profoundly different ways that Jewish and Christian believers can view the same movie.

Here is a sample from the Prager piece:

When watching "The Passion," Jews and Christians are watching two entirely different films.

For two hours, Christians watch their Savior tortured and killed. For the same two hours, Jews watch Jews arrange the killing and torture of the Christians' Savior.

In order to avoid further tension between two wonderful communities that had been well on their way to historic amity, it is crucial for each to try to understand what film the other is watching and reacting to.

In the midst of the flood (new metaphor), please check these out.