I agree with you on either one is right or all are wrong, no point pretending

The dead sea Scrolls? the sheer number of Biblical manuscripts from ages ago all largely saying the same thing? Surely these act as checks and balances against each other and Biblical translators are clear to indicate where different manuscripts read differently from each other in today's versions. They don't try to hide it or pretend it doesn't exist thus adding integrity to the whole thing. None of the variations affect the core of the gospel message or the life of Christ though. I think surely we must have some idea if there have been fabrications in light of all this. Plus these accounts have been examined by historians, detectives, lawyers, etc all through the years and haven't been found wanting. Luke's writings (Acts and the gospel of Luke) have been vindicated severally by archaeological discoveries (Lysianas of Abilene, Politarchs in Thessalonica, the gods in Lystra, natural ports between cities etc). Point is blind faith is not the basis on which Christians accept scripture...don't get me wrong, some do...but doesn't mean there are no grounds other than faith alone.

The world is such a mess according to the Christian world view because of the fall of man. Adam let in sin, with it came death and all of the suffering and injustices we see. Christianity teaches that Christ has paid the ransom on the cross to redeem mankind and a cursory reading of 1Corinthians 15 for example assures us that just as we have seen and are currently seeing all the pain and suffering which came in through Adam's suffering, those who believe in Christ will surely witness and experience the joys and bliss of the restored world when Christ returns.

All in all I salute your openess, honesty and willingness to at least genuinely engage.

God bless