In midst of Clinton-Lewinsky mess, preachers examine sin and forgiveness.(Originated from Knight Ridder Newspapers)

I wonder a lot lately _ about the fate of the president, about the effect of the sordid Clinton-Lewinsky mess on our children and about the resiliency of our nation.

Wonder along with me:

Martin Marty, professor of history and interpreter of religion in America, offered these observations based on reports from journalists in five cities who listened to sermons last Sunday about the Clinton debacle. His comments were reported by the Public Religion Project in Chicago.

The preachers included male and female clerics of different races and different theological traditions, though for the most part they had had regular dealings with the White House, Marty noted.

Among Marty's …