AMHERST, Nova Scotia
Our Beliefs
Jehovah's Witnesses base every teaching directly on the Bible. This page provides an honest overview of the key beliefs held by our congregation — written plainly, without jargon, and open to anyone who wants to understand what we believe and why.
The Foundation
Unlike many religious organizations, Jehovah's Witnesses do not follow the teachings of a founder, a council of elders, or centuries of accumulated tradition. Our congregation holds that the Bible — in its entirety — is the inspired Word of God and the only reliable guide for faith and daily life.
Every teaching discussed in our meetings is traced back to a specific Scripture passage. Members are encouraged to examine those passages for themselves and form their own understanding, rather than simply accepting what they are told. This approach fosters personal conviction, not blind obedience.
Core Beliefs
The following describes the main beliefs that guide the life, worship, and day-to-day conduct of our congregation members.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Creator of the universe has a personal name — Jehovah — as recorded thousands of times in the original Hebrew scriptures. Using that name in worship is seen as both respectful and Scripturally appropriate. This distinguishes our worship from general references to "God" or "Lord" and forms a personal relationship with the Creator rather than an abstract one.
We deeply honour Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the central figure of Christianity. However, based on our reading of Scripture, we believe Jesus is a distinct and separate being from Jehovah God — not equal to him in nature. Jesus is described in the Bible as God's "firstborn" and the one through whom all things were created. His sacrifice is the basis of our hope for forgiveness and life.
One of the most consistent themes of Jesus' teaching is the coming Kingdom of God — a real heavenly government that will replace human rulership and bring lasting peace to the earth. Jehovah's Witnesses believe this Kingdom is not a spiritual state within individuals, but a literal government already ruling in heaven that will soon transform conditions on earth. This hope shapes how members live, make decisions, and relate to current world events.
The Bible teaches that the dead are unconscious — not in heaven or hell — awaiting a resurrection. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that faithful people who have died will be brought back to life on a restored, peaceful earth under God's Kingdom. A smaller group — described in the Bible as 144,000 — will be resurrected to heavenly life to rule alongside Christ. This resurrection hope is central to the comfort our congregation offers those who have lost loved ones.
Our beliefs are not simply held in theory — they shape daily life. Members are encouraged to be honest in business, caring toward family, kind to neighbours, and peaceable in all relationships. We avoid practices that we believe conflict with Bible standards, and we try to resolve disagreements through direct conversation and mediation rather than legal action or social conflict.
Jehovah's Witnesses maintain strict political neutrality. We do not vote, hold political office, or support any political party or ideology. This is not indifference — it reflects our conviction that God's Kingdom, not any human government, will bring lasting justice and peace. We obey the laws of the countries we live in and respect governing authorities while remaining neutral in political matters.
Common Questions
Do Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate holidays? We do not observe holidays that we understand to have pagan origins or that conflict with Bible principles, including Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. We do observe the Memorial of Christ's death each year — the only observance that Jesus specifically commanded his followers to keep.
What is the position on blood transfusions? Based on Scriptural passages concerning the sanctity of blood, our members personally choose to decline blood transfusions, though they are enthusiastic about alternative medical options and advance planning to ensure excellent care without blood. This is a matter of personal conscience guided by belief.
Are you allowed to speak with people of other faiths? Absolutely. We respect all people regardless of belief, and we recognize that many sincere, good-hearted people hold different religious views. Our aim in sharing our beliefs is never to condemn others, but to offer what we have found meaningful and to allow each person to decide for themselves.
Ask Us a Question Directly
We welcome genuine, respectful conversation about our faith. Contact the congregation and someone will be happy to discuss these topics with you at your convenience.
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