Some people hold tight to religion for spiritual and emotional guidance, while others lean on an internal compass to point them from wrong to right. Regarding food, the lines between the religious and secular worlds are equally polarizing. In 2021, PRRI reported that 70% of Americans identified as Christian, 23% were secular (non-religious), and 5% were non-Christians (other denominations). Theology and religious doctrine often reference fishing and ritualistic animal slaughter during various observances. However, the edicts of religion also speak clearly about respecting life and its myriad forms. Is this merely a contradiction, or are devotees getting it wrong?

Organized religion and its theists are bound to a covenant. Followers must adhere to their religion’s dogma and dietary practices. Secular vegans are sometimes the butt of jokes or forced to defend their lifestyle choices. Yet, religious vegans face the same discrimination and questioning, often from those within their faith. 

Sarx, a British religious charity devoted to animal rights, spoke to several church leaders who identify as vegans to get their take on balancing religion and their lifestyles. The Rev. Lauren Ng told Sarx, “Rarely do people say these things just to be mean-spirited. More often, they are inquisitive, but their ignorance of the issue is received as judgment. Other times, they are defensive, feeling judged by my choices, and so they speak in a reactive, unfriendly tone.”

However, the Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter had a much more pragmatic view of why veganism is confusing to some religions. He also shared with Sarx: “I think some Christians encounter defensiveness because our veganism makes them question how they practice their Christianity. Are they not ‘Christian enough’ if they are not vegan? This is a silly question, but one that is the product of a cultural shift towards an individualistic notion of salvation that doesn’t take seriously the call by the writer of James to be a doer of the word and not merely a hearer.”

Some religious orders align their teachings with plant-based lifestyles. Jainism, which originated in India, is the only known vegan religion. Its doctrine dictates that plants and animals have equally essential souls. Jains do not eat meat, nor do they consume root vegetables. Hinduism and Buddhism, while not vegan, are both heavily rooted in encouraging followers to respect all living creatures. Universalist Unitarians follow a multidenominational doctrine that practices environmentalism and attracts vegetarians and vegans because of its liberal views.

While it’s unclear from a strictly theological standpoint whether veganism is the “superior” way to exist, it saves lives and is rooted in kindness. That is something that everyone, regardless of affiliation, should clamor to support.

Sources: Sarx, BBC, PRRI, Universalist Unitarian Association