Atheists being asked about the existence of Jesus

[AFTT47]

Honestly, the question is irrelevant outside of academia. My own knowledge of history is almost non-existent so I don't even feel qualified to have an opinion on whether or not there was a real person who inspired the fiction of the New Testament. Nor does it matter to me.

But what if the others insist on it, how do you respond?

Exactly the same way. I have no more idea if the stories of Jesus were inspired by a real person than I have if the stories of the sun god Ra were inspired by a real person. Insisting that I give an opinion isn't going to change the fact that I don't have one.

"I don't know," is always an acceptable answer to a question. If you are not qualified to answer the question, it's the only acceptable answer.