In order to understand this issue and others, I believe one must also include [so called Apocryphal] books removed from the scriptures, historic books that might be related and the opinions of Bible scholars in his/her examination that is free of any bias. Then I believe it will be possible to find the answers. The overall picture will look clearer when these little bits and pieces of information coming together like puzzle pieces. If we are seeking the truth, the information we find will make sense and we will be convinced.
Because our current (and maybe the only) understanding is relying completely on the "Organization" and its distorted interpretations, thinking outside the box can feel impossible (maybe we'll still be trying to rationalize the Organization's interpretation) and then at the end the simplicity of the answer we get can make us even doubt causing an unfillable void.