However, it is, in principle, possible (if unlikely) to prove that Jesus did not exist -- if, for example, a series of ancient documents (such as letters) are found that can show the detailed evolution of Christianity from an aggregation of beliefs that do not require, initially, a single individual teacher giving the core teachings.
I'm not sure I follow... this would remove the need for an initial "Jesus" but hardly constitutes a proof of his non-existence.
To me the most direct connection back to Jesus is through Paul, not the Gospels. Paul certainly seems a very real character, who seems to have had a very real although hardly cordial connection with a guy named Peter. Nevertheless, Paul was under the very real impression that Peter had spent a good deal of time with this guy named Jesus. No proof of course, either way.
[Edit to tidy up]
This message has been edited by cavediver, 08-05-2005 05:52 AM
™ Version 4.2