This work investigates the intersection of American pragmatist philosophy and the nation's religious identity to determine how theological underpinnings shaped the movement. M. Gail Hamner, a scholar in the study of religion, examines the foundational texts of figures like C.S. Peirce and William James to uncover the implicit religious assumptions embedded in their work. She argues that pragmatism is not merely a secular philosophical method but is deeply rooted in the American conception of a divinely ordained national mission and a populace defined by religious commitment.

Scholars in the field of religious studies frequently cite this text for its unique approach to deconstructing the secular veneer of American philosophy. Experts highlight the book as a significant contribution to understanding how religious history informs intellectual movements in the United States.