What 6 World Religions Have To Say About Vegetarianism

I share this list not to imply that eating meat should be against your religion; everyone has the right to make their own food choices. But it is interesting to consider how plant-based eating has long appealed across time periods and ideologies.

The Book of Daniel is also viewed as showing religious support for vegetarianism. When the prophet Daniel and three fellow slaves were in captivity, they were offered the King’s rich diet but refused and asked for only “vegetables to eat, and water to drink.” Jewish dietary law also stresses avoidance of cruelty to animals, whether in the production of food or as beasts of burden.

Of the many branches of Christianity, the strongest support for vegetarianism comes from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Founder Ellen White was vegetarian, and lacto-ovo-vegetarianism1 is promoted in this denomination. Research on followers of this religion has been helpful in demonstrating better health and lifespan in those adhering to plant-based diets.

Islam stresses kindness, mercy and compassion for animals. The majority of Muslims who eat meat follow laws called Halal, which allow for “clean” animals that are properly slaughtered. Certain animals are not permitted, depending on how they are killed, and pork is also forbidden in Islam.

There is a strong tradition of vegetarianism in the Hindu religions, stemming from the reverence for the sacred cow. Vegetarianism is viewed as a daily sadhana, or spiritual practice, by many Hindus.

There is also a strong tradition of vegetarianism in Buddhism. In some Sutras, Buddha stressed that followers should not eat meat or fish. Many Buddhist monks are strict vegetarians.

Originating about the same time as the Hindu and Buddhist religions, Jainism stresses the practice of ahimsa, or non violence. Jains believe in abstaining from meat and honey and avoiding harming harming any living creatures—including insects.