The Nine Billion Names of God

How does the specter of nuclear war show up in this collection? How does Clarke’s historical moment affect the way he writes?

Overall, what does Clarke seem to imply about potential encounters with aliens?

“If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth” is a significant title. What does it mean and why did Clarke make this allusion?

Many of the stories in this collection reference evolution. What does Clarke seem to be saying about evolution? Is there any connection between evolution and spirituality?

What causes the protagonist in “The Star” to have a crisis of faith? Explain what happens to him when he learns about the origins of the star of Bethlehem and what the significance of this story is? What is Clarke saying about Christianity?

What does Clarke imply about religion in “The Nine Billion Names of God”? Compare and contrast these implications with his take on religion in “The Star.”

What are some common themes of science fiction writing illustrated in this collection?

Can you identify any speculations or predictions made by Clarke that have come true since the publication of these stories?