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I think that if he felt he was unable to continue then coming home is probably best. I went on my mission with “unresolved sins” (at least by the general understanding of the term). But I felt that god wanted me on a mission and if I waited to be perfect before I left then I’d never go (and I was already almost 24). But I didn’t feel that my particular issue (starts with an M) was really a sin. On the other hand I had companions doing the same thing who were devastated spiritually and the guilt crippled their ability to work. I talked to my mission president about it once. I was feeling guilty for not feeling guilty. It was a good talk. He basically told me to stop feeling guilty. 
I think if someone is unable to function due to the guilt then proselyting is not a good situation. Its sad to me that so many things have inordinate amounts of guilt attached. Missions are good for a lot of things but open-minded free-thinking isn’t one of them. Fellow missionaries were far less understanding than MPs even. Going home might give more of a perspective and allow a reassessment of his beliefs, goals, etc. This would either make for a much better missionary when he goes back out or he just might decide not to go back. Either way he needs to ditch the guilt.
Unfortunately there isn’t much uniformity among MPs. My first MP was like a mentor. He viewed his job as keeping the missionaries on their missions and working as best he could. He handled each of us so differently. My second MP was an enforcer. Black and white about everything. My way or go home. Fortunately I had him for only 4 months or I might have accepted his offer…
It seems to be more common for a missionary to come home early now. My parents’ ward had had quite a few the last few years. And its sad because everyone judges them. But I think the bigger fault lies on the culture that makes young men feel they have no choice but to serve and serve young. They can’t wait or everyone will assume things. So they go out unprepared and unworthy because otherwise everyone will judge them. Just kids… I view a lot of those that come back as victims as much as anything else. And as for judging them. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone, right?
I thank God I wasn’t raised in Utah. And that’s not in vain. Its serious… The culture in some areas here is scary. I’m glad we’re moving away in a year or so so my kids don’t grow up here.
:wtf: wuwei wrote:But I didn’t feel that my particular issue (starts with an M) was really a sin.
I had a problem with Manslaughter and Marijuana too.
Heavens. I am glad I missed most of this thread–my wafaring has its advantages. I am with cwald: wow. Just wow.
wayfarer wrote:Heavens. I am glad I missed most of this thread–my wafaring has its advantages.
I am with cwald: wow. Just wow.
Trying to maintain my principle of seeking out and walking in light, I will not presume that this young man was sent home for some malignant sin. I will also not presume that the decision to send him home was an exercise in arbitrary and capricious unrighteous dominion by the MP or other authorities. I just hope the young man has a soft landing at home, and if he wants to go back out on his mission in a few months, I hope that works out as well.
FWIW, my bishop’s son just spent 8 months at home mid-mission for an unpublicized reason. He was very lovingly recieved here, was called to teach a YM’s quorum lessons, and is now back out again.
All’s well that ends well, truly.
I’m really sorry for being a jerk. I hope HSAB’s brother is treated kindly.
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