1 Titus 1:12,13-- "All Cretans are always liars....this testimony is certainly true."

How does one handle this verse without saying that was then, this is now? If it's Scripture, isn't it supposed to be an eternal truth? I mean, if someone says, women should be allowed some authority, and you say it nay on the basis of Scripture, what's to keep them from saying, "you probably think Cretans are liars, too, eh?"

If it says "ALL Cretans are ALWAYS liars", and then Paul says by the inspiration and direction of the Spirit which gives us the Scriptures for all time "this is most certainly true", then how do we argue that this is no longer true? Isn't that like arguing that women no longer should cover their heads in worship, even though the Scriptures says we should do so "because of the angels"? How have circumstances changed? :help

The only possible way I can think of out of this dilemma is to say, "Paul was right. And he didn't go far enough, because I'm just as bad and so are you."

Stand Fast, Craigellachie!