Introduction Today, there are many views about women and their role in ministry. Although many people have argued their points, it seems as though there is no clear answer. This critique on Two Views on Women in Ministry will cover the views of multiple contributors. Each contributor, Linda L. Belleville, Craig L. Blomberg, Craig S. Keener, and Thomas R. Schreiner, present their respective views on two sides of the argument: The egalitarian and complementarian views. Each contributor have received their Ph.D and are currently professors at their respected universities.
Brief Summary Two views of Women in Ministry is comprised of two different views written by four different contributors. The two views are egalitarian or complementarian thought. Each contributor explains their stance of what roles women have ministry and each defend their stance with valid arguments. When each contributor gives their argument to the side they take, the other contributors provide a response.
Egalitarian Perspective
Linda Belleville and Craig S. Keener are the two contributors who take the stance on the egalitarian perspective. They both agree that women should not be denied the liberty to operate in certain gifts. Belleville begins by asking numerous questions that many churches have struggles with in the last fifty years. Belleville states that “twenty five years ago only young adult males were challenged with the slogan “Uncle Sam Wants You”, but today women and men alike are encouraged to “be all that you can be”. This statement is where he begins his argument for why women should have a role in ministries. She begins by citing Genesis 1-2. She clearly describes that both male and female are commanded to exercise dominion over the earth, to rule over all of it.
Keener takes the same stance but states that “The Bible permits to women some kinds of