This book investigates how antebellum social reformers utilized the theological concept of the 'image of God' to mobilize radical nonviolent resistance against systemic injustices like slavery and war. Dan McKanan, a scholar of religious history, examines the intersection of liberal Christian theology and social activism during the mid-nineteenth century. By analyzing a diverse range of primary texts, he argues that the practice of 'identification' served as a primary rhetorical and moral tool for reformers seeking to dismantle oppressive social structures. The work posits that these historical strategies offer a relevant framework for contemporary activists seeking to ground their political engagement in moral and spiritual conviction.

Experts recognize this work as a significant contribution to the study of American religious history and the intellectual foundations of social reform. Readers frequently note the academic rigor and the clarity with which the author connects historical theological concepts to modern activist practices.