Background:
I am a never baptized ubm. My jw wife is unhappy that I am looking for other churches.
After careful thought and several conversations we have agreed not to treat each other from the assumption that improper motives are behind whatever either of us decide to believe.
I have articulated my reason, in good Christian conscience, for not being a dub is that I cannot abide men claiming to have special authority from God absent a burning bush, making some wine, or parting the Red Sea. I of course did not state unequivically that the witnesses are participating in blasphemy, since that would label me an opposer. Rather I have said that their claim is below the threshold for me to feel comfortable with that claim. Of course I am still "open to the idea".
My argument for other churches has been "even if they aren't right on all their doctrine, I believe no church is, and at least none of their teachings bother me as much as TFDS doctrine"
Situation:
So she asked me what I am looking for in a church. I have seen this as an opportunity. I am going to write a letter to all of the local churches asking them certain questions on biblical interpretation (exegisis, hermeneutics), their opinion of criticizing other denominations,church authority, and in particular their thoughts on men claiming to have sole authority from God. I thought I could ask some other questions also.
(I understand she won't respect ideas from satans org, but I think some good answers and strong defense of orthodox Christianity could help me show her a good contrast to her pig god, the wt)
Mission:
So help me out with some ideas. Help me think of "what I should be looking for in a church". What sort of criteria should I tell her I have? What sort of questions should I send to the local clergy that they can knock out of the jw park?
I am going for a setup-followed by knock down scenario here with her. Things she will agree to, and then will be put down hard.