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And besides, there's no law against ESC research. The President's policy speaks only to federal funding. Those who are convinced of the scientific necessity and economic potential of sacrificing embryos now may do so without penalty. While many pro-lifers may not like it, ESC research is currently legal.

In fact, David Greenwood, a vice president of the biotech firm Geron, one of the leading corporations doing embryonic stem-cell research, told me federal funding is irrelevant. Geron, he said, depends on investors and international partners to fund its research. As long as ESC research is legal, let these groups get money from investors, not taxpayers. That's what free-market capitalism is for.

Finally, Frist's flip-flop reminds Christians that we cannot rely on any political party—even one officially "pro-life"—to always make moral (or even logical) decisions. While we may make temporary alliances with this politician or that, ultimately we do not belong to any party. We belong to Jesus Christ.

Stan Guthrie is senior associate news editor of Christianity Today. His website may be found at www.stanguthrie.com.

Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

CT reported on Frist's support of embryonic stem-cell research last week.

More CT articles on stem cells includes:

It's Not About Stem Cells | Why we must clarify the debate over harvesting embryos.—A Christianity Today editorial (Sept. 29, 2004)

The Proposition 71 Stem Cell Scam | The biotech lobby is attempting to buy a law in California, Wesley J. Smith says. (Aug. 17, 2004)

A Law That Shouldn't Be Cloned | New Jersey legalizes human cloning for research (Feb. 10, 2004)

Federal Funds Approved to Study Fetal Stem Cells | Life ethics advocates troubled by the discrepancy that allows days-old embryos more protection than more mature fetuses. (July 10, 2002)

Two Cheers | President Bush's stem-cell decision is better than the fatal cure many sought. (Aug. 10, 2001)

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August (Web-only) 2005, Vol. 49