A creed is a formal statement of theological belief, typically written in a concise, structured format. It summarizes the core doctrines of the faith, and is often used to combat false teaching or clarify orthodox belief. The term creed is derived from the Latin word “credo” meaning “I believe”. Creeds serve various purposes in the church, including confessing faith, teaching, testing beliefs, clarifying Scripture, uniting churches, and proclaiming judgment and hope. The three most historically significant creeds are the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Apostles’ Creed.