In a discussion about the nature of religion, About.com's Atheism guide Austin Cline asks whether or not an ethical commitment to vegetarian principles is a religion, and answers this question by distinguishing between "religions" themselves, and the descriptor "religious" as an adjective. A very interesting perspective and a good read. Thanks, Austin!
Link: Is vegetarianism a religion?
See also: Vegetarian recipes
Comments
are you serious??????cmon people!!!!!
What do you mean?
What’s the relationship?
Why do we need to associate vegetariansim to religion. I am a bit vegetarian but I wouldn’t agree to the idea of it being associated to religion.
I found this article precisely because I was looking for material to debate at a humanist meeting whether vegetarianism should be regarded as a religion. Consider for example whether it should, or should not, be taught in schools?
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism_and_religion gives a reference that claims most of the world’s vegetarians follow the practice for religious reasons. Elsewhere it’s easy to find articles claiming many heroes/idols spanning sport, entertainment, science and relgion – even Einstein and Jesus – were vegetarian.
I guess vegetarians will have to accept that many non-vegetarians will consider their pariticular “truth” to be closer to a faith than a science. But does that make it a religion? Perhaps not yet.
Im a veggie and i strongly believe that vegetarianism should be regarded as a religion. As like beign a budha or christian its a belief of a person. What is usually not taken seriously for young people. I also believe that as a young veggie that this belief should be taught in schools; to give a further understanding.
I think vegetarianism should be considered a religion for practicle reasons. A lot of vegetarians and/or vegans face discrimination and harrassment in the work place and this would protect them somewhat. It is based on spiritual or at least, ethical reasons.
No one seems to realize how much of a religion vegetarianism is to vegetarians. People make fun of and complain about me being vegetarian and I just tell them, “I wouldn’t make fun of your religion.” Vegetarianism is what I believe in and therefore it is my religion.
Vegetarianism is motivated by ethical, environmental, or health reasons. There are no elements involving deities, afterlives, esoteric knowledge, or supernatural miracles.
I am ethically motivated to use my blinkers when i drive. I am environmentally motivated to recycle. I am motivated by health reasons to run. I wouldn’t consider any of these characteristics to be “religions” nor would any of you. Religion is a lifestyle choice, but it does not follow that all lifestyle choices are religions.
I think Estelle is thinking of Suspect Classes (a quick google search brings up info) who are the subject of discrimination. An easier way to do this would be to give vegetarians suspect classification in the first place rather than inaccurately consider it a religion.
scarsarealwaysthere: I hope you’re kidding.
Re:Kurt
I think the clear difference between using your blinkers when you drive and refusing to eat meat is that the right to life for humans is almost universally acknowledged where as that of animals isnt.
Many would claim that by setting man apart from the rest of life on this planet vegeterianism seeks to him him a higher purpose akin to religion.
First of all, the “right to life” of humans isn’t something that’s universally acknowledged. It’s not innate and never has been. Human sacrifice of the ancients, dozens of modern genocides (the Jews and Serbs in Europe, the ethnic tribes in Burma, the Cambodians, and don’t get me started on Darfur….), the trail of tears, state executions….you get the idea. This is why the UN and other bodies try so hard to enforce human rights. Because there’s a need to do so.
Second of all, morality is never best left up to the masses. If we all accepted what is “almost universally acknowleged”, the Brits would still be ruling India, I would never get to vote, there’d still be slavery in America and there’d be no Jews left in Germany. Thank God that throughout history, so many brave souls have gone against what is “almost universally acknowledged”.
Thirdly: Your second sentence doesn’t make sense, as there’s obviously a typo in there, but I can’t quite figure out where it is.
It makes no sense to call vegetarianism a religion. Having “beliefs” in something doesn’t make it religious. It is much more akin to a philosophy, which is a very different thing. Many people are vegetarian for religious reasons. I am vegetarian for ethical reasons, which is philosophical, not religious. I don’t like it when religious people push their views about religion on me. However, I don’t mind if people push their philosophies on me. At least that’s something about which we can have an educated discussion. I feel that’s where the difference lies.
Vegetarianism has similar aspects to a religion. ALL to ethical justifications for vegetarianism can be attained without refusing to eat meat. Many vegetarians are ignorant about the functions of ecosystems. If they understood the basics they would realize that all of their chosen diet is the result of animal byproducts (i.e. fertilizer). This diet can only be provided via domesticated crops which must have fertilizer. No fertilizer no domesticated crops, hence no veggies. The other choice of fertilizer is petroleum based and is by far the mos common. For the vegetarians that do know this and many other science based facts about agriculture and ecosystems, shame on your for ignore the reality of where your diet comes from. I consider you the high priests of the religion. Like all religions it is the priest who perpetuate myths, misinformation, outright lies and manipulate the duped followers.
I do not support animal factories or cruelty and still eat meat
One of the ways I am able to do this is by eating local foods. I purchase my meat directly from a traditional farm and hunt for a moose or deer every year.
Its a religion. Thats why they try to force it on other people
It is a religion for those that agree with me in that all animals are equal and an everlasting peace (afterlife) is achieved through good deeds. As caretakers of this world, humans are the only animals that can and should be the caretakers of our suffering brothers and sisters. It is my belief, my faith, and yes, my religion.