The Democratic party exemplifies more of the Christian philosophy than the Republican party.

Preface: I would like to begin by prefacing any of my arguments and contentions with a few important bible versus, which outline the relationship between the New and Old Testaments. Matthew 5:17 is a part of the well known Sermon on the Mount, wherein Jesus proclaims "Don't think that I came to destroy the law [the Torah] or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill." This is a statement by Jesus which essentially reestablishes that the laws of the Old Testament are not null and void, but are still in effect. The areas where Jesus breaks with the Old Testament are benign; they include dietary law, Sabbath observance, and divorce laws.[1] With this in mind, I would like to make my case. Contentions: 1 -2) I would like to address both of these arguments that you have offered up in one fell swoop, as they are both a part of a larger disagreement between Democrats and Republicans on the issue of social welfare. The major debate between the Democrats and Republicans, by and large, is a debate between whether or not giving money for social welfare should be something that is mandated. Republicans argue that social welfare programs, ideally, should be initiatives run by private charities and not the government. In all of the passages that my opponent has provided Jesus only speaks about the importance of individuals doing charitable acts; Jesus does not command that society or government should be forced to provide for the poor and needy. Jesus contends that it is the role of CHRISTIANS to tend to the poor and sick. The major contribution that the Republican party has made to social welfare programs in recent history has been the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act, which was a cornerstone of the Republican Party's 'Contract with America' during their 1994 Congressional campaign. The bill introduced working requirements on welfare, ended welfare as an entitlement program on the federal level, and introduced a lifetime limit of five years on benefits paid by federal funds.[2] Is this initiative in line with Christian philosophy? Yes. "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need" ~ Ephesians 4:28. 3) Jesus' teachings on judgement are largely about the avoidance of hypocrisy, whether it be "Judge not lest ye be judged" or "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" Jesus has problems with hypocrites judging others, but not necessarily with judgement in and of itself. Other sections of the bible, which Jesus acknowledges as legitimate, such as Leviticus specifically advise people as to how they should judge particular actions or people. For example, Leviticus 20:13 calls homosexuality a sin and prescribes death for both parties involved in homosexual acts. 4) On the issue of border control I would like Pro to consider two facts. The first is that because of the softness of the American economy illegal immigration has driven illegal immigration down to its lowest level in years [3]. The second is that under President Obama the number of illegal immigrants who are deported each year has increased [4]. The majority of these deportees are those who have not committed any criminal offences. In addition to this President Obama has actually increased the number of border patrol agents [5]. How can Pro say that the Democrats are more lenient on the issue of border control and deportation when the number of deportations and boots on the ground have increased quite considerably under president Obama, and his Democratic administration? Sources [1] Matthew 12:8, Matthew 5:31, Matthew 15:11. [2] http://www.soc.iastate.edu... [3] http://www.ibtimes.com... [4] http://www.presstv.com... [5] http://www.politifact.com...