What is the Epimenides Paradox?

Response

Epimenides was a classical philosopher and poet from Crete. He once wrote that “all Cretans are liars,” a statement that Paul references in Titus 1:12. The paradox lies in the fact that Epimenides himself was a Cretan. If all Cretans are considered liars, then Epimenides is also deemed a liar. Consequently, if Epimenides is deceitful, then the assertion that “all Cretans are liars” must be false. This would imply that all Cretans speak the truth, indicating that Epimenides tells the truth, leading to the conclusion that the statement “all Cretans are liars” is both true and false.

The “Epimenides Paradox” has inspired a series of logical puzzles known as “liars’ paradoxes.” It serves as an entertaining exercise in pure logic, with various individuals proposing logical resolutions to the paradox. However, it deviates from the original intentions of either Epimenides or Paul.

When Epimenides penned “all Cretans are liars,” he employed a literary device known as hyperbole, exaggerating to emphasize a point about Cretan society’s perceived dishonesty. It is akin to a Chinese author stating “the Chinese are atheists.” Clearly, not all Chinese individuals worldwide are atheists, but broadly speaking, contemporary Chinese society promotes atheism.

Paul, a well-educated individual, was versed in Pharisaic teachings, Jewish Scriptures, history, and seemingly Greek philosophy. In his letter to Titus, Paul cites, “One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons’” «One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. », (Titus 1:12). In this instance, Paul references Epimenides not to highlight a paradox but to reinforce the negative characterization of Cretan society.By mentioning the statement attributed to Epimenides, it is implied that there are specific transgressions that the people of Crete need to conquer.

Paul further elaborated, “This statement is accurate. Therefore, reprimand them firmly, so that they may be healthy in their beliefs and disregard Jewish fables or the mere human directives of those who repudiate the truth” (Titus 1:13-14). The inhabitants of Crete were notorious for deceit, wicked deeds, and idleness. Paul instructed that the followers in Crete should adhere to divine values, which involve steering clear of myths and human customs that contradict the doctrines of Christ.

The subsequent section of Titus provides guidance concerning different segments of the congregation in Crete. Paul addresses elderly men «that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. », (Titus 2:2), as well as older and younger women (verses 3–5), younger men (verses 6–8), and even Christian slaves (verses 9–10). Titus was instructed, “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and reprimand with full authority. Do not allow anyone to look down on you” «These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.», (Titus 2:15). Titus resided among deceivers, in a society where falsehood was deeply ingrained. He was tasked with combating those falsehoods and educating the believers in Crete in accordance with God’s truth.