My random thoughts..

I was on the bus when I overheard two Pinays talking about someone else they knew.  One commented “Basta ako, saradong Katoliko.  Si ano, nagiba ang ugali magmula ng magiba ang religion.”   She then proceeded to berate this other person, listing all her character flaws & linking them to her new religion.

I often hear that, the phrase “saradong Katoliko.”  Since the Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, it isn’t surprising to hear someone say that.  But I am wary of anyone who says they’re “saradong Katoliko” or whatever religion they may be.  To me, it’s a sign of narrow-mindedness.

When a person thinks that their religion or way of thinking is the best way, the only true way & belittles someone else if they hold a different religion or viewpoint without even listening or understanding the other person’s point of view - that to me smacks of intolerance.  And recent history (9/11, various terrorist attacks) bears it out.  Islam does not condone the violence that we see conducted by terrorists, they’re done by religious zealots who have twisted the Koran to suit their ideologies.

Come to think of it, “sarado” is an apt word.  Sarado means closed, & closed minds are reactionary, bigoted, prejudiced, intolerant.

I steer clear of anyone who proudly proclaims themselves to be “sarado” anything.  It’s interesting to hear their viewpoint, but I don’t expect to have any healthy exchange of ideas with someone like that.  I’m better off with someone I can discuss anything & everything under the sun & where we can both agree to disagree if we have different viewpoints.