Is veganism a religion?

[IndianVegan]

The vegans on this forum would probably say that veganism isn't a religion as it isn't based on any false beliefs. But that's exactly what members of other (traditional) religions also think! Non-vegans tend to think that veganism is irrational, just like non-members of a religion think it is irrational. Vegans consider themselves to be morally superior to non-vegans, again just like members of a religion who think they're more moral than non-members.

So, is veganism a religion?

 

[Tillimint]

No...

 

[Emma JC]

religion definition:
the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.

so also NO

it's called common sense, compassion, empathy, love

Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com

 

[Second Summer]

It's not a religion but it is a philosophical system and it does share some attributes with religion.

Like religion, vegan philosophy is based on a fundamental belief. In the case of vegan philosophy, that belief is that the lives of non-human animals have intrinsic value to the extent that they matter. This is a belief rather than a fact we can deduce through logic. The same is also true about the intrinsic value of human lives - it's a belief.

 

[Andy_T]

We don’t eat animals or their secretions, because we do NOT think we are morally superior to them, so that we would have a « right » to use them.

It is actually the very simple belief that can be summarized as follows:

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - If you don't want to be eaten, then don't do it to others yourself.

Now, regardless whether you attribute this rule to Confucius, Jesus, or Kant, it is a simple yet smart rule, and makes sense for most people.

 

[Graeme M]

I'm not sure what to call veganism, but it's not a religion. Nor a cult. In fact, it's the exact same belief and ethics as we have for other people, so what do we call that? Like Second Summer said above, the basis for veganism is a philosophical belief, and I would say from that emerges a set of ethical principles. That is entirely rational.

I usually refer to veganism as an ethics, based on a belief that animals have an inherent value that attracts out moral concern, and it's the most rational and effective framework we have for guiding our relationship with other species.

 

[silva]

No. Vegans have many differences in how and why they are against the use of animals for humans use, but worshiping them, or putting other animals above humans is not a descriptor. If a vegan feels they're morally superior that is a separate issue, it isn't a vegan theme.

 

[Lou]

no.
but I don't think its fair to dismiss this question so easily.
It does share some of the same attributes as religion.
big difference it doesn't require faith. Not sure but I think that separates it from every religion.

Veganism is defined as "a philosophy and way of living" *

One of my favorite Zen - like sayings is that Veganism is a path, compassion is the destination.
BTW Zen is not a religion either.

I checked and I think that saying can be credited to Colleen Patrick Goudreau in her book the Joyful Vegan.

* - Definition of veganism

 

[silva]

no.
but I don't think its fair to dismiss this question so easily.
It does share some of the same attributes as religion.
big difference it doesn't require faith. Not sure but I think that separates it from every religion.

Veganism is defined as "a philosophy and way of living" *

One of my favorite Zen - like sayings is that Veganism is a path, compassion is the destination.
BTW Zen is not a religion either.

I checked and I think that saying can be credited to Colleen Patrick Goudreau in her book the Joyful Vegan.

* - Definition of veganism

examples?

 

[Lou]

OK. make me work for it....

both include a moral code, core principals, shared values, and a sense of community.
also members make diet and lifestyle choices to align with their beliefs,
both may include advocacy and outreach.

several courts of law have ruled that veganism is a religion or at least gives the practitioners some of the legal protections religious members have.
examples.
Chenzira v. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 2012 U.S. Dist. Lexis 182139 (S.D. Ohio, 2012),
Equality act 2010, UK.
1948 Universal Declaration of Human Right. Articles 1, 7, 18 and about 5 more.

Despite all this I still don't think veganism is a religion. No god is involved. and there is no rule book.

 

[silva]

OK. make me work for it....

both include a moral code, core principals, shared values, and a sense of community.
also members make diet and lifestyle choices to align with their beliefs,
both may include advocacy and outreach.

several courts of law have ruled that veganism is a religion or at least gives the practitioners some of the legal protections religious members have.
examples.
Chenzira v. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 2012 U.S. Dist. Lexis 182139 (S.D. Ohio, 2012),
Equality act 2010, UK.
1948 Universal Declaration of Human Right. Articles 1, 7, 18 and about 5 more.

Despite all this I still don't think veganism is a religion. No god is involved. and there is no rule book.

That could be said about lots of things-humanism, environmentalists, political parties....
If starting a church would get us a tax exemption though, I would join

 

[Tom L.]

I don't consider it a religion, but it could be considered that.

I'm specifically thinking about Buddhism and Jainism. These are both widely considered to be religions, but (as I understand it) neither of them require their adherents to believe in a Creator entity. However, I think at least some Buddhists do worship a Supreme Being. Both Buddhists and Jains revere a number of historical figures (such as Milarepa or Mahavira) in a similar way that people of other religions revere their saints or prophets.

 

[Lou]

I don't consider it a religion, but it could be considered that.

I'm specifically thinking about Buddhism and Jainism. These are both widely considered to be religions, but (as I understand it) neither of them require their adherents to believe in a Creator entity. However, I think at least some Buddhists do worship a Supreme Being. Both Buddhists and Jains revere a number of historical figures (such as Milarepa or Mahavira) in a similar way that people of other religions revere their saints or prophets

not everyone considers Buddhism or Jainism a relgion. I think it gets sort of technical and splitting hairs. Also I think with Buddhism it depends on which sect you are talking about.

for instance as I alluded to in my post - Zen (Buddhism ) is not considered a religion because they don't worship a god or have a rulebook.