What is misunderstood by Mr. Kristof, and Mr. MacLaren I presume, is that Jesus of Nazareth didn't found a religion, he claimed to be the religion.  He didn't claim to be the way to real life, or a better life, or a good life.  He claimed to be the life itself, when he stated, "I am the way, the truth, the life.  Nobody comes to Father, except through me."  That is different than founding a way, or revealing the truth, or showing how to live.