
612. David P. Silverman: Science Fiction and Atheism
From Geek's Guide to the Galaxy - A Science Fiction Podcast by David Barr Kirtley
February 7, 2026 · 1h 3m
About this episode
David P. Silverman discusses his science fiction novella Darkshiner and the intersection of science fiction and atheism.
David P. Silverman, author of Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World, joins us to discuss his new science fiction novella Darkshiner. Topics discussed: David's childhood, Star Trek and Trekkies, science fiction conventions, Douglas Adams, atheism among sci-fi fans, persuasion vs. coercion, the idea behind Darkshiner, fiction like Darkshiner, AI collaboration, human editors, scientific accuracy, character names, cover blurbs, Babylon 5, the current state of sci-fi TV, church tax breaks, Atheists for Liberty, Dungeons & Dragons, setting aside differences. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: David Barr Kirtley
Guest: David P. Silverman
Topics covered
- science fiction
- atheism
- persuasion
- AI collaboration
- sci-fi conventions
- Dungeons & Dragons
Keywords
- Darkshiner
- science fiction
- atheism
- David P. Silverman
- Star Trek
- Douglas Adams
- sci-fi TV
- persuasion
- Dungeons & Dragons
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Atheists for Liberty, Dungeons & Dragons, patreon.com/geeks, megaphone.fm
Books & works: Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World, Darkshiner
Places: Babylon 5
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