As you mention, the concept that "Jesus is a cool guy" or a good teacher, or another expression of a religious prophet seems to be ever-increasing in popularity in the mdoern age as well. The concept of universalism also ties in to this, in my opinion. People feel that since Jesus was just a good guy, like many other prophets of different religions, it doesn't matter which one you follow as long as you follow one of them. Follow any 'cool nice guy' and you'll be OK...there are multiple roads to God. God is good with everybody. Often times heresies such as this breed further heresies.
