612. David P. Silverman: Science Fiction and Atheism

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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