Dude,
First, a pretty good gauge on a real Christian is this, ask them where they're going when they die, and why?
If there answer is heaven, and the reason Jesus alone, that pretty well tells you if they are truly Christian. Anything else is suspect!
I talk about Jew and Catholics a lot because my biggest exposure is to these two groups. But please realize my comments are not limited to these two groups. Most major religions are hosed!
In the yellow pages, a good bet would be to look up Calvary Bible, Evangelical, Assemblies of God. But you must visit each one to see if there doctrines are truly Christian. It is not easy picking a place to worship. And again, I'm sure there are some good churches out there that are affiliated with a major religion. But you must use care when choosing.
The bible does not have to be constantly edited and revised. But because of prideful people, each one thinking they could do a better job translating it, they keep doing it. But this is a joke! Many translations are pretty accurate and no one really needs to try to retranslate it. But they do because they think they can do a better job then the next guy. But there is really no need! But the key is, most major translations don't differ on the salvation message. And that is what's important. That's what you need to keep focused on!
Unsavory characters being Christians, the answer is two-fold. I already explained part one, non-Christians claiming Christianity. The second, and more impoortant one, is that being a Christian does not make you perfect. Believe me, I am screwed up just as much as the next guy. So it is very understandable that some Christians are screwed up. Accepting Christ does not stop you from sinning. It just gets you forgiveness from God for it. And God tells us, in any version of the bible, sin seperates us from him. And again, in any major translation of the bible, it tells you how to be saved from your sins. And in the same bibles it tells you you must be born again, that being having accepted the gift of salvation of God to be forgiven. When you accept God's gift of salvation, you have been born again! Period!
As to the individuals you mention, I don't know each and every one of their stories specifically. And I don't care to. I know they are sinners just like me. And it is their business if they are truly Christian or not, not mine! You see everyone has the responsibility of their relationship. Not my business!
Hope I answeres all your questions satisfactorily. If you need any further details to any one of the answers, please let me know!
God Bless,
Steve
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