I don't care if he did or not. There's no historical evidence for him outside of the book of myths, (a little in Josephus) but that's it. So my belief is that he probably wasn't historical but mythical like the other hero myths.
Personally, I don't care if he lived or not because his teachings are immoral.
Vicarious sin (original sin-you are held responsible for the actions of others whom you had no control over ) That's immoral.
Vicarious atonement through a scapegoat--you can be absolved of your personal responsibility no matter what you do, as long as you just "believe" the scapegoat died for you.
It's immoral crap.
No wonder there are so many more christians in prison than there are atheists.
It's very hot in Paris today, the sun is blazing down.
Listen to this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGLnrY60IXs
As you are listening close your eyes and imagine you are on the terrace of a French café
sipping an ice cold aperitif. No rush, no bustle, take your time and let the world drift by.
jesus may have been a real person. a black person. and he may have even been a preacher of some sort. and he was annoying and got killed . doesnt mean he was the son of dog
The answer to the question won't help your understanding much. Many atheists thing there probably was some guy called Jesus, who might even said some fairly good things like "love your neighbour".
You would get a more meaningful answer if you asked them whether they can say without a shadow of doubt that Jesus never walked across the water!
Whether he lived or walked on this earth is irrelevant; it's his alleged miracles that are the crux of the Christian worldview; and I can say that I'm fairly certain those never happened, as there isn't the slightest bit of evidence to suggest that they did.