And I mean that in a good way. It has imbued my life with meaning and made me a better person. Also, there is the sense of community on forums like this one.
Veganism feels like a religion
- Thread starter IndianVegan
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pinkpetalbird666
Newcomer
No disrespect intended, but it feels nothing like a religion to me. And in fact more of a polar opposite.
Veganism is a choice made out from logic and empathy.
We know that other animals suffer, have emotions and feelings.
It's a simple case of extending our circle of altruism to include all sentient life. We wouldn't hurt our neighbour or our dogs and cats so logically it follows we shouldn't do that to other animals.
Religion on the other hand is a set of rules , often laid down by people with a very much less detailed understanding of nature and the world around us, and usually with a completely different outlook on life.
Religious doctrines don't change, although people conveniently pick and choose which messages they think must be followed and which they can abandon as being either allegorical or simply fit for the times they were written.
Religion often leads to people treating other people (and other animals) worse, not better as it engenders a tribe mentality of us vs them.
There is a distinct lack of logic and often a lack of empathy.
Religion has been a major cause of wars and atrocities in the name of xxxxx.
Try being a Christian in Somalia, or a Sunni Muslim in Iran or Baha'i in Yemen.
So no, not really.
Veganism is like a religion in about the same way as football fans are like stamp collectors... i.e. Yes, it's a way of grouping people and they form communities, but that's about it.
I am extremely happy it makes you happy, but I loathe any comparison with religion.
Veganism is a choice made out from logic and empathy.
We know that other animals suffer, have emotions and feelings.
It's a simple case of extending our circle of altruism to include all sentient life. We wouldn't hurt our neighbour or our dogs and cats so logically it follows we shouldn't do that to other animals.
Religion on the other hand is a set of rules , often laid down by people with a very much less detailed understanding of nature and the world around us, and usually with a completely different outlook on life.
Religious doctrines don't change, although people conveniently pick and choose which messages they think must be followed and which they can abandon as being either allegorical or simply fit for the times they were written.
Religion often leads to people treating other people (and other animals) worse, not better as it engenders a tribe mentality of us vs them.
There is a distinct lack of logic and often a lack of empathy.
Religion has been a major cause of wars and atrocities in the name of xxxxx.
Try being a Christian in Somalia, or a Sunni Muslim in Iran or Baha'i in Yemen.
So no, not really.
Veganism is like a religion in about the same way as football fans are like stamp collectors... i.e. Yes, it's a way of grouping people and they form communities, but that's about it.
I am extremely happy it makes you happy, but I loathe any comparison with religion.
OP
OP
@g0rph Actually, I'm a single atheist and have felt for a long time that my life lacked meaning or higher purpose. Veganism has now filled that void.
Lou
Forum Legend
First off I do agree with @g0rph.
However.....
Many people and even some vegans think of it as a religion. or like you thinks "it feels like a religion".
as G0rph stated it's not a religion. I do understand why some people get confused. Both include moral codes, a sense of community, and dietary "rules". Those vegan that are advocates are in some ways similar to religious missionaries. In the UK veganism is protected by law, just like religions.
it does not include supernatural deities, which by definition all religions include. Also no spiritual salvation is promised.
I do like that it has imbued your life with meaning and made you a better person. I like to think it has for me, too
However.....
Many people and even some vegans think of it as a religion. or like you thinks "it feels like a religion".
as G0rph stated it's not a religion. I do understand why some people get confused. Both include moral codes, a sense of community, and dietary "rules". Those vegan that are advocates are in some ways similar to religious missionaries. In the UK veganism is protected by law, just like religions.
it does not include supernatural deities, which by definition all religions include. Also no spiritual salvation is promised.
I do like that it has imbued your life with meaning and made you a better person. I like to think it has for me, too
OP
OP
Lou
Forum Legend
There is an expression or a quote that I can't exactly remember. I googled it and I can't find it. Probably because I don't remember it right.
Veganism is both the least you can do and the most you can do
When I googled it Google AI responded with.
Veganism is considered the least you can do because it is viewed as the baseline moral obligation to avoid unnecessary harm to sentient beings. Conversely, it is the most you can do because completely changing personal habits drastically reduces your carbon footprint and spares hundreds of animals from suffering
Veganism is both the least you can do and the most you can do
When I googled it Google AI responded with.
Veganism is considered the least you can do because it is viewed as the baseline moral obligation to avoid unnecessary harm to sentient beings. Conversely, it is the most you can do because completely changing personal habits drastically reduces your carbon footprint and spares hundreds of animals from suffering
