This is one of the gems of the Venturing program. It accomplishes a variety of items. First of all, it provides recognition of the independent thought of the young men. The young men have an opportunity to express their opinions on a wide variety of possible controversial subjects. In addition to recognizing the value of their thoughts, by having an opportunity to express opinion, they also have the opportunity of letting their thoughts coalesce into a true idea. It causes them to think about what they say and what the implications of their thoughts might be.
I had the interesting opportunity of having an ethical controversy with a few young men the day following the September 11 attacks. I had prepared a controversy with two points of view, both of which taking the form of an adviser's opinion to President Bush. One opinion took a vindictive approach, asking for immediate attacks to obtain vengeance. The other opinion called for clear evidence prior to any attack. Two boys were assigned to each perspective. It was natural at the time that the young men all wanted the vengeful perspective, for that is how they felt and that was how the attitude of the nation seemed to be at the time (and perhaps still is). Now, I confess that I involved myself a little in this discussion in order to make them think harder about what they said. But towards the end of the meeting, there was much more temperance and desire for caution. We had good discussion of the beliefs of Islam, about discrimination, and about the already devastated nation of Afghanistan. This was, for me, a very successful experience.
What I really like about these controversies is that they force a connection between the abstract concept of values and beliefs into a perspective on action. One of the great purposes of Mutual activities are to help the youth practice living the gospel. Sometimes actual practice is hard to come by, so dealing with potential situations they may face can provide some alternative opportunities.