Here is something from a random google search. It may not be the most well-writen thesis ever, but it gets its point home. It discusses how religious figures like Buddha and Jesus Christ were, in fact, “spirtual” and against “religion” so they were, in turn, harassed by the religious and the fanatics. Jesus died as a result of this persecution, as we know. Pretty good prespective on religious extremism from someone who is a reasonable believer.
Religion imparts spirituality but religious fanaticism destroys spirituality. Religion and spirituality are distinctive. Spirituality is common to all religions. Research on Soul and spiritual happiness are the aims of spirituality.
The persons responsible for the formation of world religions such as Buddha, Mahaveer, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammed were all expounders of Spirituality and were against religions. Therefore they were persecuted by religionists and religious fanatics. Jesus christ was the most persecuted among them. He was murdered. Not an ordinary murder but He was tortured and killed. The instrument used for that purpose was the cross.
The words which proceeded from His mouth when He was tortured on the cross declare Him as an epitome of spirituality and as a Spiritual leader and the revealer of spirituality to the world. Therefore his spiritual teachings are widely followed in all countries of the world.