Religion, government, and culture were not as clearly defined as they are today: so, there were such things as priest-kings where the king was conidered a god. The boundaries between the three were grey.
So, I can see where a practice such as child abuse in society became so prevalent that it took on religious significance.
Much as cults work today. What is the difference between a cult and a religion? The number of people who practice it. I can understand how Epstein Island could have become a cult with a religious component.
Evil practices can infect all aspects of society, such as religion or tradition, if it is tolerated.
Sodom and Gomorrah come to mind.
The pagan king-priest was a counterfeit of Melchizedek, the king of Salem (later Jerusalem). And the king-priest concept is all over the book of Revelation.