In Singapore, core inflation rose at its “fastest pace in nearly a decade”, reported Reuters. From electricity to private transport and even to eggs – prices of which have risen by about 30% since late last year – no products are spared. 

“The perfect long storm” is what Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam called the combination of prolonged inflation and food shortages amidst geopolitical risks and climate change. 

Inflation. Wars. Economic turmoil. Global health pandemic. How does the Christian message hold any relevance to some of the big issues happening in the world today – if at all? 

Through a faith lens

“60 Second Spotlight” is a new series of one-minute reels on Instagram that address current issues through the lens of the Christian faith.

Produced by Thinking Faith in partnership with Salt&Light, the aim of these videos is to equip and encourage believers in their journey of discipleship and outreach. 

“By speaking the truth and relevance of the Christian message into these big issues, it’s our hope that ‘60 Second Spotlight’ will give believers a springboard through which to have meaningful conversations about their faith and how they view what’s going on in the world today,” says host Max Jeganathan, Director of Thinking Faith.

Max is an international speaker who is passionate about helping people make sense of current issues and life’s big questions through the lens of the Christian message. 

He has spoken around the world in banks, businesses, universities and political institutions, including Facebook, Google, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse. He has also addressed advisors in Singapore’s Economic Development Board and Canada’s National Parliament.

Authentic and relevant conversations

Says Max: “Whether it’s war, politics, culture or issues of race, injustice, sustainability, identity, fulfilment or the perpetual struggle against suffering, being able to communicate the relevance and the truth of the Gospel into today’s big issues is transformative.

“These topics often come up in everyday conversations – with a colleague by the coffee machine or even a friend at a dinner party – where the truth of the Christian message can be applied. Not only in shaping our conversations but in having an impact on the way those issues are played out.”

Set up last year in 2021, Thinking Faith is a ministry that produces content with the aim of helping people make sense of current issues in light of the truth and integrity of the Christian message. 

A former lawyer and political and policy adviser in the Australian National Parliament, Max believes that it is “more important than ever” that believers “engage with the big issues happening in the world right now”, especially in the “post-truth” culture that we are living in now.

“Scripture calls all followers of Jesus to communicate the beauty of the Gospel – not through abstract proclamations – but through the concepts, issues and affairs of the day,” says Max.

“It’s our hope that we spark authentic conversation around these topics that ultimately point people to the truth of the Gospel.” 

Keep a lookout for the premiere of “60 Second Spotlight” on Salt&Light Instagram at 9pm, tomorrow, March 22.