In the original short story, Asimov presented religion as an antagonistic force, embodied by a religious organization known only as the Cult. This name naturally evokes the negative connotations typically associated with religious fundamentalism and mysticism. The novel expansion of “Nightfall” allows Asimov and Silverberg to portray religion in a more complex light. Renamed the Apostles of Flame, the religious powers that reside in Saro City play a compelling role in reorganizing society and mitigating the impact of future calamities.

First, it is important to note that many of the secular characters demonstrate a natural apprehension for religion. When Athor 77 hints at the need to collaborate with the Apostles, he repeatedly distances himself from the Apostles’ mystical teachings, urging his colleagues to do the same. Similarly, Siferra 89 becomes reluctant to share her interpretations of the Thombo tablets when she learns that they are related to the contents of the Apostles’ scriptures. The most aggressive opposition to the Apostles comes finally from Theremon 762, who sees religion as an outdated institution whose functions harken back to medieval times. He reviles the Apostles so much that when Athor’s name becomes associated with the Apostles’ figurehead, Mondior 71, he openly criticizes Athor and the astronomers, laying the foundation for science to be vilified in the post-eclipse world.