Hello, wanting to see what people think on this subject. Is there definitive proof, or just what's in the gospels? The internet is full of bias, so redditors, what's your take? Thanks in advance.
Hey! This is a fairly popular topic, and is covered extensively in the FAQ. Short answer: yes, there is sufficient evidence for the existence of Jesus both within and outside of the gospels.
Yes, absolutely and definitely. The Gospels can be taken as 'definitive' proof that he existed; not perhaps in the form that they describe, but certainly that a historical figure who became the theologised Christ did. Ep Sanders says that the only things we can know for certain about Jesus was that he was a preacher in 1st century Israel who was crucified. But he certainly existed.
The best non Christian evidence is Tacitus, who refers to him in the annals. There is really no reason to assume that Jesus did not exist.