Cultivating the Christian Mind

FES organised the second edition of Cultivating the Christian Mind, a faith and academics seminar, on 17 January 2026 at Singapore Bible College. We were privileged to hear from Dr Christopher Watkin, a senior lecturer at Monash University, Australia, as the main speaker for two sessions, with additional speakers in each session. The seminar also featured a gallery of stories by faculty from different universities, sharing how they see their discipline through the lens of faith.

Session 1: The Hidden Stories of Our Studies and How Scripture Out-Narrates Them

The morning session involved uncovering the hidden assumptions of our disciplines and comparing them against the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. Two graduates gave examples from their disciplines before the students, who were grouped according to their majors, were invited to do it themselves. A student shares her reflection:

Relooking at our studies with fellow students

While reviewing our storyboard of the assumptions underlying our studies, Dr Chris shared a Bible passage of the woman with the alabaster jar, which profoundly challenged my perspective. While the disciples viewed her extravagant offering as a “waste”, Jesus saw it as a “beautiful thing”. Dr Chris urged us to realign our definition of efficiency with God’s definition.

In my field of accountancy, where it is all about maximising output and meeting tight deadlines, efficiency is often reduced to mere speed. This mindset led me to view “unproductive” moments, like prayer or quiet time, as a “waste” compared to fulfilling my mounting workload.

Gallery of stories written by university faculty

However, this session was a vital reminder: nothing done for Jesus is wasted. In fact, our devotion and service for Him is truly more “efficient” than any worldly pursuit. This perspective changes how I approach my future career. Accountancy is no longer a platform to prove my worth through performance, but a way to glorify God through faithful service. In practice, this looks like upholding integrity and not taking shortcuts, even when under intense pressure. It means being a good steward of the resources God has given us. Shifting my focus from my career to the Creator has taught me that worldly success pales in comparison to the greatness of knowing Him.

— Pauline Alejado, SUSS CF, Accountancy, Year 3

Session 2: Reading Revelation as a Tool for Cultural Engagement and Critique

Dr Christopher Watkin at Session 2

In the afternoon, Dr Watkin spoke on how the Book of Revelation critiques issues in modern society and challenged students to live as people of the New Jerusalem rather than Babylon. Dr Rebecca Tan, a lecturer in Political Science at National University of Singapore, then responded from the local perspective before a Q&A segment with the two speakers. A student shares his reflection:

I was struck by Dr Chris’ point: that for us, the Beast (Rev 17–18) doesn’t look like a monster, but often looks like a Bell Curve. As a student, I tend to view my grades as a reflection of how well I’ve learnt and understood my modules, as well as how “good” a student I am.

This challenged my previous thinking by exposing the source of my academic anxiety. I realised that my fear of ‘falling behind the curve’ often manifests as impatience with group mates, and it sometimes leads me to impose my ideas on others instead of listening before I speak. In doing so, I may be bowing to the Beast rather than trusting in the Lord’s providence.

Response by Dr Rebecca Tan

In Singapore’s fast-paced, competitive and anxiety-inducing society, I think there is value in learning how to slow down. Jesus himself was never in a hurry, often stopping for individuals like the Samaritan woman. Instead of constantly trying to get ahead of the rat race, it is important to reflect upon the false narratives of Babylon and to choose Christ instead. Tangibly, that can look like: thanking our migrant workers, chatting with the janitor staff, or checking in with friends around us. It would not be about networking or getting ahead, but rather about serving the least, the last and the lost.

— Guok Wei Chee, NUS VCF, Social Work, Year 3