The oral teachings of Jesus which have been preserved in four principle writings called gospels ("good news") form the basis for the Christian religion, currently the largest of the major world religions. Jesus was probably called Yeshua (Christ means annointed one) and grew up around the Sea of Galilee in the north of ancient Palestine. Around the age of 30, he started teaching and gradually attracted a group of followers who formed the core of a jewish reform movement. Coming to Jerusalem to celebrate the passover and perhaps confront the Temple authorities, he was arrested and judged by the religious leaders as a subversive. Jesus was handed over to the Roman procurator who executed him by crucifixion on the charge of treason. His followers formed a church based on his teachings but it wasn't until the convert Paul of Tarsus began his extensive missionary work, that the church grew into a large religious movement. In the fourth century, Christianity was recognized as a state religion by Rome and today it is the dominant religious faith in Europe and the Americas.

So far as what Jesus himself was like or what he really meant by his teachings has been open for interpretation ever since his death. He is generally recognized by most other world religions as an important teacher and holy man. It is the compatibility of Jesus' teachings with so many schools of thought that has given them their lasting appeal for so many people.