We are all ultimately talking theology (or making some sort of attempt), so leave the departure into religion well alone, because you are only confusing yourself.
You also said - "In the absence of evidence, folklore is down to interpretation..."
People who have honestly looked at the evidence and like yourself didn't want it to prove to be true - (Josh McDowell - "Evidence that demands a verdict" /
The Case for Christ - Lee Strobel (also a book) - have found something very different.
So what sets your research apart and what is the best evidence you have that the Bible is insignificant re the plight of your soul?