The Great Commandment

Jesus of Nazareth, often referred to as Jesus Christ, is a central figure in Christianity, the world's largest religion, and is also recognized in Islam as a prophet. Born around 4 BCE, in Bethlehem, in modern-day West Bank, he is believed by Christians to be the Son of God and the awaited Messiah (or Christ) prophesied in the Old Testament. As an adult, he was baptized by John the Baptist and embarked on a public ministry emphasizing love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice. His teachings and miracles attracted a following, leading to the formation of a community of disciples.

The "Universal Christ" is a concept that extends beyond the historical Jesus of Nazareth, often associated with mysticism and contemplative Christianity, especially within Franciscan traditions like that of Richard Rohr. The Universal Christ is understood to represent God's ongoing presence and action in the world, as well as the recognition of God in every aspect of creation. This view suggests that Christ's presence predates Jesus' earthly life and continues beyond it, permeating all time and space. As such, Jesus is seen as a special, unique manifestation of the Universal Christ - a model of the potential divine-human union and a window into the nature of God's interaction with the world.