Religion vs Vegan

 Is Veganism a Religion?

“People are very sensitive about what they eat. You can talk to people about exercising, relaxation, good mental attitude and they will accept that. But you talk to them about what they are eating and people are very sensitive about that.” -Dr. Ellsworth Wareham

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I was having a conversation with my better half about why vegans seem to be the most serious about their food choices and why becoming a vegan is way more than just changing your diet. During the conversation I jokingly said that vegans feel that veganism is a religion and thus the practice encompasses their entire life. However, as the conversation went on I realized that my statement might not have been a joke at all. Below is my analysis of the two based categorized into phases:

The Shedding Phase

If you are apart of a particular religion or know someone that is then you are aware that in the beginning there is a shedding or what I like the call the phoenix effect. In order to embrace a new way of life one’s old self must parish. In terms of religion, you may not associate with the same people or places that you once did because these people and locations won’t aid you in your transformation. Veganism is no different; I know plenty of vegans who not only purged and cleansed their houses of food but also separated themselves from people who did not support their new found lifestyle. Once the old is gone, one’s transformed self can then rise from the ashes.


The Thirst Phase
At the beginning of one's religious journey they become absolutely thirsty for any bit of information they can find out about their new found passion. They read books (such as the Bible, Quran, etc.), they attend events, they physically seek the knowledge so that they may grow in their convictions. Again, we see a similarity with those of a vegan lifestyle. I follow many vegan groups on Facebook and Google+ and everyday I see new vegans asking for information about how to properly cook certain vegetables or advice on meal prep or reviews on vegan products. Vegans are usually well read when it comes to food; downloading ebooks, nutritional guides, and reading research articles. They physically set out to quench their thirst for vegan knowledge.


The Fellowship Phase

With the thirst for knowledge also creates the need for fellowship. In religious circles traditional gatherings such a church, mosque, or bible study serve as an opportunity to congregate with like minded individuals. Those who are new to their religious journey often seek out a mentors for guidance. Veganism is no different- social media forums, food fairs, and farmers markets all serve as opportunities for vegans to connect to one another. Vegans love to converse with one another and swap recipes or share food knowledge. New vegans often seek out advice from the more seasoned vegans in order to equip them with tools for their own journey.


The Good Works Phase

In most religions there is a push to give in some way and since time is the greatest currency, this usually results in good works or community service. The same can be said for vegans; it is no secret that many vegans are very passionate about animal rights and dedicate a lot of time an energy into this cause. However, vegans also feel the same level of passion for other causes such as their community and environment. Many vegans only get their produce (or mostly) from farmer’s markets because this directly helps local farmers within the community. Some only buy fair trade clothing, or are consciously making the effort to reduce their carbon footprint because that helps give back to the world as a whole.


The Home Participation Phase

I was raised Christian, my mother took me to church every Sunday, I attended weekly events like bible study, and many of my childhood friends came from church. Only one problem-my mother was the only Christian. My father did not follow the same religion and thus there was often conflict in the home. My father did not have a problem with my mother’s beliefs but my mother had an issue with the fact that my father did not share them. Like I said earlier, people go through a shedding phase, so when there is someone who shares your intimate space who does not share your beliefs there is bound to be conflict. I often hear new vegans say things like “I’m vegan but my husband isn’t” or “I’m vegan but I don’t force my kids to be.” This extensive level division can lead to negative outcomes. Vegan psychologist Ralph Smart who also makes videos on youtube often says if someone is your true soulmate-then they will share your diet.


The Debate Phase

Most Americans were taught by their parents that there are three things you never discuss at the dinner table: money, politics, and religion. This is because these topics tend to turn into arguments or create division within a group. Well any vegan who has publicly proclaimed their veganism has had an instance where doing so in front of a non vegan has resulted in some form of debate. My better half is always telling me stories about how she had yet another argument with a carnivore about how being vegan doesn't mean you’re malnourished. We both constantly hear statements like “I could never live like that” or “I could never stop eating meat”. It’s as if the word vegan is a threat to their way of life or principles so they feel they have to defend them. It’s gotten to the point where I tell people I’m vegan on a need to know basis because I’m tired of feeling as though I’ve made a social faux pas by bringing it up.


The Color Blind Phase

In 1964 the late Malcolm X, who was a devout muslim, made the pilgrimage to Mecca that all muslims must take at least once in their lives. Upon his return from the holy city he spoke of how it was the first time he did not experience racism. He spoke of how he came in contact with all races and creeds during his journey and race was not a focus at all. Everyone was there for the same reason and all were one. Personally, my experience with being a vegan has been similar. In my place of employment there are vegans of all cultural backgrounds, there is no such thing as a black vegan, indian vegan, etc. there are just vegans. We all have our own reasons for being vegan but we are all connected in our convictions.


So can veganism be comparable to following a religion? One definition of religion is a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance. If this is the case then veganism can most definitely be considered a religion because anyone who is vegan or knows a vegan knows that practicing a plant based lifestyle takes total commitment. The body is a temple and what vegans put into their bodies is considered to be of the utmost importance. I’m not trying to persuade you one way or the other, I’m merely offering you food for thought or at the very least a bit of understanding. If you are a vegan, do not feel self conscious about your convictions because it IS THAT SERIOUS. An if you are not a vegan and are starting to feel like veganism might be some sort of dietary cult….you may not be that far off from the truth.

Disclaimer: That last sentence was a JOKE. Veganism is in no way, shape, or form a cult.


I also want to share a link to an interesting video on this subject from Bite Size Vegan. https://youtu.be/QmvpzB11AMg


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