[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Tex

If we're going to be mullahs about definitions, then I guess I have to point out that 19-year-old young men are still teenagers. Twenty-year-olds are technically not, but turning 20 doesn't magically bestow powers of maturity, either.

If the offended party chooses to prosecute, due process is followed, and the young men receive a punishment, then I think they should abide by it. I just think there is room here for some mercy, recognizing the foolishness of youth. If a similar thing were done in a place I hold sacred by similarly stupid young men, I would be upset and probably want an apology, but I don't know that I would insist on a punishment that could haunt them for the rest of their lives.

The Christian gospel is supposed to be about helping people, not tearing them down. I'd wager these boys have already learned their lesson.

what if 20 year old men broke into a temple and vandalized it? And then posted pictures of their handiwork on the internet. How would you respond to that?