All of his novels, essays, and short stories relied on his spiritual background for thematic and creative inspiration.

Hazel McCann, a department store clerk from Ohio, wrote to Douglas asking what he thought had happened to Christ's garments after the crucifixion.

Douglas immediately began working on a novel based on this concept, sending each chapter to McCann as he finished it.

[2] The book explores the aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus through the experiences of the Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio and his Greek slave Demetrius.

Sent to Athens to recuperate, Marcellus finally gives in to Demetrius' urging and touches the robe, and his mind is subsequently restored.