Titus 1-3, Proverbs 15

One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, instead of giving heed to Jewish myths or to commands of men who reject the truth. (Titus 1:12-14)

The quote is attributed to a 6th or 7th century B.C. Greek philosopher-poet named Epimenides. I get the principle that teachers approved in Christian communities must not be liars, evil beasts, or lazy gluttons, however, I find the principle that begins, "Cretans are always...," to be prejudicial. No nationality is always anything. No race is always anything. No person is always anything. "Always" statements err, in part, by not accounting for individual human freedoms and responsibilities.

If we accept "Cretans are always..." as a valid base for reasoning, then we may accept other prejudiced views, too. No! Let the argument for the proper authorization of Christian teachers rest on solid facts, discernment, and reasoning.