Veganism, originally an ethical choice to reduce animal suffering and promote a healthier lifestyle, often takes on the characteristics of a substitute religion in its extreme forms. The strong moral conviction and the clear distinction between good
and bad
dietary practices are comparable to religious dogmatism. In radical forms of veganism, meat-eaters are often viewed as morally inferior, similar to the way non-believers are treated in religious systems.
Veganism as a Moral System
As in religions, veganism has a clear moral hierarchy. Those who live vegan are considered morally superior, while those who continue to consume animal products are seen as sinful.
A strong sense of guilt is created, akin to the religious concept of sin. Abstaining from animal products is portrayed as an act of moral purity—similar to religious rituals that aim to achieve spiritual cleanliness.
The problem is that this moral view often isn’t based on scientific facts but on emotional and ideological beliefs. Whether a vegan diet is actually healthier for every individual remains debatable. Nevertheless, veganism is frequently promoted as the only right way of living, which highlights the dogmatic nature of this movement.
Salvation Promises and Utopias
Veganism offers a promise of salvation: If all of humanity stops consuming animals, a better, fairer, and healthier world will emerge. This utopia is reminiscent of the paradise promise in many religions. The renunciation of animal products is portrayed as a moral obligation.
However, this promise of salvation is often accompanied by a radical ideology that leaves little room for differing opinions. A clear divide between good
and bad
is created: on one side, vegans who act morally; on the other, everyone else who is considered ignorant or immoral. From a scientific perspective, this utopia is questionable, as a vegan diet can have benefits but also poses risks if not balanced. The ecological impact of producing vegan substitutes is also not always as positive as often portrayed.
Rituals and Purity
In radical veganism, there are rituals symbolizing moral purity. Buying exclusively vegan products, meticulously reading ingredient labels, or participating in vegan challenges and public actions are examples. These actions emphasize not just personal ethical well-being but also demonstrate moral superiority, distancing oneself from the impure
who still consume animal products.
Those who live strictly vegan are considered morally pure,
while others remain in sin.
Animal products are seen as harmful and impure, while vegan foods are regarded as healthy and morally superior. These purity ideas are often celebrated on social media, where sharing recipes and criticizing other diets act as rituals signaling belonging to the vegan community.
Meat-eaters are frequently morally judged and seen as backward—this polarization strongly resembles religious conflicts where dissenters are viewed as sinners.
Dogmas and Enemies
In radical veganism, clear dogmas exist: animal products are bad, plant-based products are good. This dualistic approach leaves little room for gray areas or individual choices. Meat-eaters or vegetarians who don’t fully commit to veganism are often publicly criticized and morally condemned, much like sinners in religious systems. Those who don’t adhere to this dogma are labeled as ignorant or heartless.
Proselytizing and Promises of Salvation
Missionary zeal is a central part of radical veganism. It’s not enough to live vegan oneself—others must be convinced. Meat consumption is often portrayed as a moral failing, and veganism is presented as the path to saving the world. These attempts to convert others are reminiscent of religious missionary efforts, where following certain rules promises paradise.
Public actions, such as storming supermarkets or blocking slaughterhouses, demonstrate this missionary ambition to present one’s lifestyle as morally superior and enforce it.
Anti-Science and Dogmatism
Another problem with radical veganism is the tendency towards anti-science. While many vegans rely on scientific studies to support their arguments, they often ignore the fact that a vegan diet isn’t ideal for everyone. Individual differences, as well as scientific counterarguments, are dismissed as irrelevant or as propaganda from the meat industry.
This dogmatism resembles religious movements that reject scientific findings when they contradict their beliefs.
Veganism as a Substitute Religion
In its extreme form, veganism is more than just a diet—it is an ideological movement with clear moral rules, rituals, and a missionary zeal. The dogmatic nature, the devaluation of dissenters, and the rejection of scientific facts make it a modern substitute religion. Instead of respecting individual freedoms, a single truth
is enforced—similar to how religious movements have done for centuries.
A liberal approach would respect individual choices and allow for diversity without imposing ideological pressure. Veganism can be an ethically motivated personal decision, but it should not be promoted as moral superiority over other lifestyles.