This being the case, is it logical to use a pre-defined age like 18 or so, as an absolute exemption from meaningful correction by someone in authority over them? Would not the stern discipline of a parent or mentor do more to change an "adultren" into a true adult, than an idle threat, or the procedures followed by a non-effective and overburdened legal system?
The reason there is so much interest in mentors today is, parents and the family services agencies have dropped the ball concerning discipline and accountability in life. The worst punishment most parents meet out is something like. "you know you shouldn't do that." "Didn't we teach you better?" (of course the answer is NO, they didn't) The welfare agencies claim to have all of the answers for child management and guidance, but their own statistics prove they don't really have a clue as to how to raise a child into a productive adult.
This leaves troubled youth, and troubled young adults, without a resource when it comes to finding the help they need to mature into an adult in the true meaning of the word. The useless parents and family services people are afraid someone will do what they have failed at, and provide discipline and accountability in a safe and caring manner. Those need help are crying out for help, but no one is listening. (except the sexual deviants who hear and respond, and deceive those neglected by their own family members)
This gap can only filled by trustworthy mentors, who have become mature adults and over comers in their own right. A good mentor has usually been mentored in the past, and they are not deceived by the rhetoric of those who oppose their endeavors. No parent or agency that has failed to rear children properly, will ever endorse any person or group who succeeds at what they have failed to do. I have seen many young people change for the better, with the help and guidance of a trustworthy mentor, (or mentoring couple) The sad parts is, the parents or guardians of those being mentored often resent the success others achieve. To me, this just proves the parents or guardians were never fit to raise children in the first place.
Young adults either remain "adultrens" as they age, or they wake up and begin to mature into productive God fearing citizens in time. The idea that only children should be subject to meaningful correction is just plain dumb, and has no basis in logic or fact. In fact, a young adult who is subject to discipline based accountability is more likely to respond to correction than a young child would. Adults hate the humiliation and the fact they do things that incur correction, as most of their offenses PROVE they are not ready to handle life as an adult.
We need to find ways to address this terrible situation, and find a way to provide a trustworthy mentor for everyone who feels they would benefit from being held fully accountable for their words, deeds, and actions, at all times. If you think you are getting away with your offenses, just wait until you face injury, sickness, or even death, for offenses that put you and others at high risk. Even if you do escape correction now, you will certainly lose out for eternity when your life ends here on earth. Sinners and rebels, will not spend eternity with God and those who have loved ones who have died and entered heaven.
A mentorship relationship can be tough, but it can also change your life for the better in many ways. To not be punished when you do wrong, is the most severe punishment you can receive. It is really horrible, as those who believe they are getting away with their offenses face misery and pain now, and into eternity…