Is religion a road? A mode? A code?

Almost everybody who said there is only one way identified that way as Jesus. What does that really mean? Is the way of Jesus (or any other religion) a road? Is it a series of steps one takes? Certainly Jesus taught a path, a way to live. It is a way based on charity to the poor and kindness to our fellow man. It is a path of doing the right thing in life. This path of behavior leads to a better world. Can an atheist follow this path? Can someone take the teachings of Jesus, the road of behavior taught by another religion, into his or her heart without believing in supernatural phenomena?
Perhaps the one correct religion that readers speak of is defined by "modes" of thought and behavior. Is it important that you focus on the image of Jesus and the symbol of the cross? Is that the one true religion?