Is veganism a religion?

[silva]

As I said before I don't think veganism is a religion - it's a lifestyle. But I do understand the confusion.
Even some vegans confuse the two and many non-vegans don't see the distinctions.
@KLS52 posted a scholarly article on the difference between ethics and morals. I confess that I confuse the two frequently and use the words interchangeably. And it still doesn't help that much with the lifestyle vs religion thing.

How would veganism be thought of as a religion? It can be part of religious beliefs, but by itself?

 

[Lou]

How would veganism be thought of as a religion? It can be part of religious beliefs, but by itself?

IMHO it would be a misunderstanding. but here is a list of all the things that veganism and religions have in commmon. So I understand how it can be misconstrued

• Strong moral and ethical framework
• Comprehensive belief system about how to live
• belief in a higher good
• passionate community
• shared identity
• tenets like non harm and compassion
  
• detailed rules on what to eat and wear
  
• proselytizing
• a belief that their way of life is the best for everyone
• Some vegans actively advocate for their lifestyle to others, which is a behavior often associated with religious missionary work.
• some vegans exhibit religious-like fundamentalism, rigidity, and dogmatism
• some vegans find value in framing veganism as a spiritual path. They see it as a way to deepen their connection to the world and promote kindness and discipline, similar to the practices in many world religions.

However, veganism is not a religion in the traditional sense as it lacks a deity and organized religious structure.

Most of the above was supplied by a Reddit Exchange.

 

[KLS52]

I never thought of veganism as a religion.

 

[beancounter]

You need a deity, some form of "higher power", or tenets that defy the laws of physics to have a religion.

Veganism doesn't have that, therefore it is not a religion.