I agree with Mike and consider them to be the expression of the doctrine of Original Sin. Kathryn's quotations that we can gain eternal life by believing in Jesus and following His teachings need no interpretation. A dilema exists. It would be great to reconcile these views, but until they are, I prefer to follow the teachings of Jesus, Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha which are far simpler to understand, and are producing unity and love in the world. I do not consider the Bible perfect in its present form.
Similar stories exist in many cultures.
I do not believe that man was created to live physically for eternity and died because he exercised his free will to seek knowledge. I presume that this verse was written by Paul because this was his understanding at that time and that he found it useful in his teaching efforts. I consider that he was probably influenced by a philosophy not taught by Christ. My understanding of this verse is that sin was in the world before Adam but that it had no account because God had revealed no commandments. This verse would be illogical unless man existed before Adam, which is something else which I believe.