Where Sin Abounds

Description: Las Vegas has long been characterized as "Sin City." It is a common assumption of many outsiders that Las Vegas is a spiritual wasteland, devoid of any significant religious community and bereft of traditional values. This is most certainly not the case! In fact, Las Vegas has a strong, healthy, and growing religious dimension. Within this milieu is a strong and rapidly expanding Pentecostal dimension to the city's profile of faith. The Pentecostals in Las Vegas are a microcosm of Pentecostalism both nationally and globally. On the whole, this expression of Christian faith is certainly among the fastest growing religions in the world. Some sociologists and demographics experts identify Evangelicals and Pentecostals as the emerging religious majority in America's future. Most mainstream denominations are in decline, but Pentecostals continue to grow both in numbers and influence. This book will explore and analyze several local Pentecostal congregations and the dynamic relationship between the church and the "Strip." It will focus on the interplay between one of America's most devout religious subcultures and one its most secular cities. Endorsements: "This book demonstrates the vital, continuing role played by religion in Las Vegas' historical development, and emphasizes the contribution of Pentecostals and evangelicals in spearheading a spiritual revival among Las Vegas strip workers in the 1970s. Flexibility was the key, as Pentecostal churches, backstage Bible studies, and other entities employed innovative approaches that appealed to hundreds of entertainers (including topless showgirls and strippers) and countered employment and recreational practices that daily challenged their faith." --Eugene P. Moehring Professor of History University of Nevada, Las Vegas "The misconceptions of Las Vegas abound around the world when it comes to the spiritual and religious climate of the city. Dr. Stan Steward in his fascinating and accurate account of religion in the Las Vegas valley has dispelled spiritual myths and depicted true church life and history behind the 'glitz and glamour.' Where Sin Abounds is a must-read for those wanting to discover the historical and current spiritual roots of Las Vegas." --Gary Morefield Senior Pastor of GV Christian Center Henderson, Nevada About the Contributor(s): Stanley A. Steward (ThM and MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD, University of Nevada) has been a pastor for over twenty-five years, including fifteen years as Senior Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Las Vegas. Dr. Steward has also served as Associate Professor of Bible and Theology at Bethany University from 1977-2004. Since 2006, he has been Professor of History and Chairman of the Social Sciences Department at Bethany University.