What they mean by "veganism is a religion"?
Veganism is often dismissed or criticised by being labeled a religion. For some, this comparison is meant to undermine its credibility, suggesting that veganism is dogmatic, irrational, or even cult-like. But let’s pause for a moment and ask: What if veganism were like a religion?
At its core, veganism is about minimising harm—to animals, to the planet, and to ourselves. It’s a lifestyle choice rooted in ethics, health, and environmental awareness. Critics who call it a "religion" often do so to imply that vegans are blindly following a set of rules without critical thought. But isn’t it ironic that many of these critics themselves follow societal norms—like eating meat or dairy—without questioning their impact? If veganism is a "religion," then it’s one that encourages questioning the status quo and making conscious choices.
Let’s start with the definition of religion by Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries:
Religion is the belief in the existence of a god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them
OR
one of the systems of faith that are based on the belief in the existence of a particular god or gods.
And here’s the most common definition of veganism, coined by the Vegan Society:
"Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."
At first, comparing veganism with religions seems to make sense. Religions, at their best, provide moral frameworks that guide people toward kindness, justice, and community. Veganism does the same. It asks us to consider the consequences of our actions and to align our choices with our values. If that’s "religious," then perhaps we need more of it in a world where exploitation and indifference often prevail. However, if we analyse it in more detail, veganism doesn’t share many other traits with world—leading (or niche) religions.
Here’s just a couple of topics for which true religions have rather strict rules, but veganism has none:
Which god to worship as the one and only
What to do with your own body (tattoos, sex before marriage, alcohol use, etc.)
Which book to worship as sacred
How to live your life (except for avoidable harm to sentient beings)
How to dress, treat women or people of different religions/cultures
Which house of worship to frequent to assure salvation
The comparison to religion also highlights something deeper: the discomfort people feel when their habits are challenged. Eating animal products is deeply ingrained in many cultures, and questioning it can feel like an attack on tradition or identity. By framing veganism as a "religion," critics can distance themselves from its ethical arguments, dismissing it as something extreme or irrational. But isn’t it more irrational to ignore the suffering of animals, the devastation of ecosystems, and the health risks associated with animal agriculture?
However, if veganism were a "religion", it would be one that’s remarkably inclusive. It doesn’t require belief in a higher power or adherence to rituals. Instead, it invites everyone to participate in creating a kinder, more sustainable world. It’s a "religion" that welcomes skeptics, rejects dogmas, encourages questions, and evolves with new evidence. Isn’t that the kind of belief system we should embrace?
Of course, no movement is perfect, and vegans aren’t immune to criticism. Some may come across as overly zealous or judgmental, which can alienate others. But let’s not confuse the message with the messenger. The core principles of veganism—compassion, sustainability, and harm reduction—are values worth celebrating, not dismissing. In most religious or ethnic groups, it would be hard to find a significant number of group members who disagree with these values - I guess you’d agree.
So, the next time someone accuses veganism of being a "religion", consider agreeing with them—but with a twist. Yes, veganism is a belief system, one that challenges us to be better, to care more, and to act with intention. After all, what’s so wrong with a belief system that asks us to reduce harm, live mindfully, and protect the planet? If that’s the creed, then perhaps we should all be a little more "devout".