J. Michael Straczynski

Straczynski is best known as the producer and creative force behind the science fiction television series Babylon 5.

In an interview in the October 1995 issue of Sci-Fi Entertainment the interviewer observes "You count yourself as an atheist, yet spiritual matters often set the theme for episodes of the show, and seem to be a large part of the arc. Some would see that as a contradiction."

Straczynski responds "You have to understand that the writer's job is to be as honest as he humanly can in his characterizations and his storytelling. And, as I look at the long parade of human history, religion has not gone away in the past 4,000 years of recorded history, nor does it show any sign of going away any time soon.

"If I have to be honest in looking at the world 250 years from now, I have to say that people will still believe at that time, and I must treat that with respect--the same way I'd deal with scientific concepts. Because, truthfully, science and religion are two sides of the same coin. The methodology is vastly different--one relies on faith while the other relies on scientific method--both are endeavors to understand who we are, how we got here, where we are going, and what we are here to do. I feel that one must approach both of those endeavors with equal respect."

A November 3, 1994 comment on the net: "Speaking as an atheist, if there is to be a church of jms, then I must become its first apostate and refuse to believe in myself (adding further insecurity to my life), and nail a whole bunch of theses to the front door on the way out...."