''But if he was only a simple poor guy, how could he become a symbol for so many people?''
Would you re-think again,for a second-the logic of this question? And maybe refraze it-if possible? Or do you really think this is a valid-meanigful question?

Zarathustra (love the name by the way), It would be safe to say most historians believe Jesus the man existed the most historical proof comes from his recorded baptism with John the Baptist his disciples most of whom were initially John the Baptist disciples before they were Jesus disciples, his 12 Apostles and the recorded deaths of each all of whom died because of the refusal to denounce Jesus with the exception one who hung himself for betraying Jesus and The recorded sentencing of Jesus under Pontius Pilate to his death crucifixion and burial under the Roman empire being the most undeniable historical proof of his existence. Most, perhaps historians would have been a better word for Dtommy to use, believe Jesus existed regardless as to whether they are christian or non-christian.

Now as to whether he was the son of God or not or as some call divine that is another question. I surely don't believe in the Trinity which states that Jesus God and the Holy Spirit are one and the same. I don't even think Jesus thought that or that he was the only child of God. In fact, I don't think Jesus thought he was the son of God any more than you or I. Few times in the scripture, depending on the version you are reading 30-40 times did he say "my father" in reference to God, but it is important to read the context in which it was being said. Jesus referred to God as "Father" once being when talking to God in private in the garden before he was to be crucified, he referred to the temple as "my house" twice when he was angry with people at the temple and casting them out for their financial dealings there, and once when telling Peter after Peter said he was the son of God which could be left up to interpretation because he said something to the effect of my Father, after this it is important to note he ordered his apostles not to call him Christ. I think these events are the closest he gets to implying God was his father and his father alone. I think it is important to consider what he had to say about the self proclaimed children of Abraham to get an Idea of exactly what he meant by "Father" when he was saying it.

I believe Jesus was a an extremely smart, good and influential person who unfortunately religions have used over time to create someone entirely different out of for purposes of control, wealth and power. I do not believe Jesus would have ever condoned many of the atrocities that have been performed under his name. I however agree completely with your sentiment toward the Catholic Church. I also feel there are other many other Christian religions that are frankly un-Christian like. I think the Catholic (the word catholic meaning universal and for all) church was as first set up in a good way by Simon Peter aka the Rock aka Peter not Simon, but just like Jesus the Idea was taken and turned into something entirely different. I forget what Pope it was, but there was a Pope who wanted to make the Roman Catholic Church into a church that more reflected what Simon had originally intended but unfortunately was poisoned.

Another important side note: It was not until the 20th century that the Roman Catholic Church even allowed its parishioners to read the Holy Bible as they call it.

What other religions claimed that Jesus Christ existed? Gospel and eyewitness accounts do not count because they are not as accurate as many people would think.

Oh really? Then I will argue that Odin and Zeus exist as well. Their historical influence is just as great if not greater, considering the entire span of human history.

Of course, I'm not saying that these other gods did not exist. But if that's your argument, then they might as well have.