Campus preachers as gatekeepers of eternity: a religious ingroup’s condemnation of the gender expression, LGBTQ+ identity, and/or sexual behavior of university students

Abstract

There is little scholarly research exploring the messages, actions, and motivations of campus preachers. The current study addresses this gap by examining survey responses from students at a Southeastern university following their interactions with campus preachers. Using an inductive approach and social identity theory, we find that, rather than proselytizing, campus preachers reinforced their ingroup boundaries by using Christian hetero/cisgender norms to openly condemn students for their gender expression, perceived LGBTQ+ identity, and/or assumed sexual behaviors. In doing so, the campus preachers acted as gatekeepers preventing access to the eternal rewards for those they defined as the outgroup.