I really don't care where he stands with other Protestants.  

The details of the story are important, and certainly as important as the teaching.  There were likely many prophets preaching what Jesus preached before Jesus came.  Do you think social justice and peace were new concepts that Jesus taught?   

Jesus was different precisely because he performed miracles, was crucified, rose from the dead, and ascended into Heaven.  This proved not only that he was God, but that there were things that could happen far beyond our wildest imaginations. Without those acts, you have just another prophet.