Just to jump in here, an important distinction is that the Guatama
Buddha could be a completely legendery figure, and it it would not matter AT
ALL. I.e., the truth of the teaching attributed to the figure is
independent of the actual existence of that figure.
In the case of Christ, however, because of some of the sayings
attributed to him, if that particular person did not exist, then
Christianity is necessarily false.
Fairly important distinction.
Ciao.
Michael Fisher, ET1/SS USN ret., lawstudent
http://www.sonoma.edu/cthink/Library/intraits.html
* * *
He that would make his own liberty secure,
must guard even his enemy from oppression;
for if he violates this duty,
he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.
Thomas Paine