I've always maintained that the key to understand that book lies in the first section, with the different religions the child had growing up, and how he was simultaneously practicing multiple religions. He finds a purpose for each of the faiths in his life, even though they contradict each other. When he tells the story, he does the same thing to the Japanese investigators: presents two differing narratives that contradict one another, but each of which serve a purpose. We're more inclined to believe one version of the story (the second one), but it really doesn't matter, because there's a need for beauty and wonder as well as brutality. At least, that's my take.
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