In the 1830s, the growing popularity of evangelical sects and Christian revivalism led to a high number of sex scandals. While most sex scandals were recorded between clergymen and female parishioners, a fair few were the results of attempts to shame women out of ascending to the pulpit by spreading rumors of promiscuity. One unique case of these evangelical sex scandals is that of Eleazer Sherman, the only documented scandal between members of the same sex. Sherman's trial, though it was on a much smaller scale than some scandals, was very significant in terms of understanding the relationship between Christianity and sexuality at that point, due to its multifaceted nature. (Jazper Schmidt)

There are three ways that the trial of Eleazer Sherman highlights what we know about religion, gender and sexuality in the early 19th century: the significance of gender transgressions, the significance of intimacy and homosexuality, and how expressions of male sexuality and sex reform changed during that time. (Jazper Schmidt)

Dorsey examines a same-sex relationship involving a preacher, and uses it to investigate sexuality and religion as corporeal experiences as well as to alter what gender, intimacy, and masculinity means in 19th century America. He goes on to argue that the relationship involving the preacher was a door to exploring gender norms, masculinity, and religious authority as well as the transition from private to written accounts/records. This transition can be seen post-scandal when the trial was published which fueled the fire and resulted in the end of a preaching career, loss of support within the congregation, and religious exile. These points are important in recognizing how religion played a role in one’s socioeconomic place as Sherman came from a poor family and a failed career. He looked to preaching as a form of social mobility and as a way to achieve recognized manhood. In addition, he used this as a way to challenge his struggles regarding financial instability, however, his efforts were diminished by accusations of moral and gendered transgression. Overall, this scandal exposes concerns of masculine intimacy and the changing definitions of masculinity, as well as the shifting boundaries between a private and public life. (Reiley Gibson)