#87: Apologetics Through the Eyes of AoM’s African and Pakistani Students

Apologetics on Mission (AoM) recently completed its seventh Introduction to International Apologetics (ITIA) course. This 16-lesson course was conducted via Zoom across 13 time zones over a four-month period.

To date, we have taught over 270 students from five continents. Participants in this most recent class came from seven African countries [1], as well as Canada, Jamaica, Pakistan, Slovenia, and the United States. Thirty-nine new apologist graduates are now putting what they’ve learned into practice in their home countries. Praise the Lord! We at AoM could not be prouder of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

In one of the final lessons, we asked students from Pakistan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—countries with the largest representation—to present on the apologetic challenges they face. I would like to share some of their observations and insights. Despite significant trials and, at times, persecution, I am both amazed and humbled by their knowledge and work, and deeply grateful for their faithfulness and perseverance.

African Presentations

Some of the key challenges identified by our Ugandan, Zambian, and Zimbabwean brothers and sisters are listed below. Although these countries are predominantly Christian (80–95%), many people belong to cults or syncretistic movements that are “Christian” in name only:

• African Traditional Religions

• Rise of relativism, revisionism, and new movements

• Pseudo-Christian cults and extremism

• Syncretism

• Economic hardship leading to acceptance of the prosperity gospel

• Post-colonial suspicion of “Western Christianity”

• Influence of digital culture

African traditional beliefs often blend animism with Christian teaching. Revisionist movements—such as certain “apostolic and prophetic” groups—and other cults frequently deny core doctrines like the deity of Christ and the Trinity. These groups are often led by dominant personalities whose teachings take precedence over Scripture.

Economic hardship also contributes to the appeal of the prosperity gospel.

Despite widespread poverty, most people own a cell phone, exposing them—especially younger generations—to secular Western influences through social media. Ugandan apologists also noted the recent emergence of an “Atheist Society of Uganda.”

Presenters emphasized that a strong understanding of the Bible, its reliability, the problem of evil and suffering as well as familiarity with the Quran, and are essential for engaging with Muslims. Additionally, topics such as truth, worldviews, scientific arguments, and biblical sexuality are increasingly important in responding to Western cultural influences.

Pakistani Presentation

In contrast to the African context, Christians in Pakistan are a small minority (less than 2%). Their challenges largely stem from the dominant Islamic culture. Muslims across all social and educational levels often reject Christianity, beginning with the belief that the Bible has been corrupted in both text and meaning. Specifically, they reject:

• The deity of Christ

• Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection

• The Trinity

Those influenced by Western thought also reject Christianity based on materialism and naturalism. While atheists in Pakistan remain a small minority, their numbers appear to be growing and may be comparable to the number of Christians. They are most visible in academic and intellectual communities [2] and are increasingly using social media to promote their views. According to the student presentation, “a wave of atheism is likely coming in the next few years.”

Pakistani students found ITIA lessons on biblical reliability, archaeology, and the historicity of the resurrection particularly helpful in responding to Islamic objections. Likewise, teachings on truth, worldviews, science, philosophy, and biblical sexuality are valuable in addressing atheistic challenges.

Student Reflections

“This course has been a great blessing to me. It has strengthened my understanding of apologetics and helped me defend the Christian faith with clarity and confidence. Please keep this ministry (AoM) in your prayers so that many more people can be trained to stand firm in their faith.”
— African student

“I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to complete the ITIA Apologetics Course. I truly appreciate the effort, dedication, and wisdom invested by the teachers and organizers. The lessons were insightful and inspiring, encouraging both spiritual and intellectual growth.”
— Pakistani student

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We are deeply grateful for the opportunities You have given AoM to come alongside our brothers and sisters around the world—to learn together, grow together, and stand firm in the truth of Christianity and in our love for You.  Amen

In Christ,
Doug

1 Peter 3:15

[1] The African students are from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
[2] As reported by ChatGPT in response to the question, “What percentage of Pakistan’s population are atheists?” (March 21, 2026).