I want everyone to understand that I grew up going to a 'non denominational' church that was heavily baptist with hints of Pentecostal. I've been to Baptist churches, other non denominational churches, and I currently go to a school that identities as Baptist.

My parents both grew up in what you would call "Deep South baptist" churches and they taught me much of what they learned.

A majority of my experience comes from Baptist teachings. I understand that each church has its own way of worshipping and interpreting the Bible. I'm sorry if the way I was taught doesn't line up with what your church taught (actually I'm not sorry haha).

I'm planning a whole chapter about why there are so many interpretations of the Bible.

I can only speak from my experience. And no, I don't think converting to another denomination will help me find my faith again.

Anyways this chapter is going to be full of common teachings from the churches I grew up in.

Homosexuality is bad and evil

Sex before marriage is forbidden

Divorce is bad and evil
(Heard this from a professor. Should've told him my parents were divorced and I'm glad they are)

Baptism should only be performed after a person has accepted Christ.
(It's not super common to baptize babies in my area)

The Bible contains no errors.

The Bible was written by God

The Bible was inspired by God

We go to heaven when we die

We won't go to heaven until Jesus comes back to get us

Baptism only counts if it is a full immersion in water, not just drops.

Baptism isn't a requirement for salvation but it is highly encouraged for everyone to be baptized when they are ready.

Women should not be priests/pastors or hold any position of authority in the church

Communion is often taken as a symbolic act

Missionary work is highly encouraged. Spread the word!

Baptist teachings are the true teachings. Every other denomination is wrong
(This one is just wild to me but all my theology professors say this).

Tattoos are sinful

Most piercings are sinful
(Except the ears, and then only one)

Dark makeup is demonic. Especially black lipstick

Harry Potter is demonic
(My mother told me this one)

Climate change isn't real because only God can destroy the earth
(This one also came from a professor)

Rock music is demonic

Yoga is demonic
(This one came from my roommate)

Modesty is important for women
(They don't really say much about men's modesty)

The Bible is pretty much the only Christian text we are taught. Not many are concerned about anything outside of it.

Many churches limit membership to those who have already declared their faith in Christ

Depending on you who ask, some baptists do agree with the separation of church and state and some don't. Not sure about Pentecostals

Jesus is the son of God

Individuals can approach God directly. They don't have to go through a priest or pastor.

Abortion is wrong. (Some churches have exceptions for incest, rape, or if the mother's life is in danger. Many churches unfortunately teach that all abortion is wrong no matter the circumstances.)

Salvation is through faith only, not works
(I've heard some say it's through both)

The Bible is the inspired word of God

Some reject Calvinism and Arminianism. Others accept one or the other.

We are nothing without God

We are all sinners

Many baptist churches teach that Pentecostalism is next to satanism
(Something to do with the way they speak in tongues I think)
(My church didn't teach this because the pastor had grown up in a Pentecostal church but I have heard of this being taught)

To clarify, this is just a list of common beliefs in the churches I grew up in. This doesn't speak for all churches. You may have gone to a baptist or Pentecostal or whatever church and disagree with some of this.

This is my own personal experience. I do not believe in these ideas anymore.