Ever since the period known as the Enlightenment, many groups that self-identify as Christian have abandoned the notion of doctrine, creeds, or specific beliefs altogether. In their place, they have elevated "deeds" and certain acts of piety. But can behavior really be separated from belief that easily? For the early church, creeds were central to worship, unity, public profession, and it shaped their life as a community. Evidence of early creeds are even present throughout the Bible itself.