David Silverman

David Silverman, president of American Atheists, joins Mormon scholars J.B. Haws and Richard Holzapfel from BYU, along with ex-Mormon author Joanne Hanks, for a moderated discussion exploring mutual misconceptions between atheists and Mormons. The panelists examine perceptions of Mormon exclusivity, the theology of baptism for the dead, charitable giving, and whether religious belief constitutes "brainwashing" or personal choice. Held during the 2014 American Atheists convention in Salt Lake City, the conversation models civil dialogue across profound worldview differences.

This panel discussion, moderated by historian Paul Reeve and sponsored by the Mormon Transhumanist Association, brings together atheist leaders David Silverman and Joanne Hanks with BYU professors Richard Holzapfel and J.B. Haws to explore mutual misperceptions between Mormons and atheists. The conversation addresses stereotypes on both sides—including Mormon exclusivity and atheist immorality—while examining topics like baptism for the dead, church transparency about history, and whether religious belief constitutes "brainwashing" or represents a legitimate choice based on personal experience. The panelists ultimately find common ground in valuing charitable giving and civil dialogue, while disagreeing fundamentally about whether religious belief is intellectually honest and whether religion will persist or eventually disappear.