“Fear God in your treatment of these animals who cannot speak.”
Veganism and Christianity
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Extracts from ‘The Bible, Jesus and Veganism’
by Gary Yourofsky
The Garden of Vegan
Adam and Eve, the first vegans on this planet, resided in the Garden of Eden, the world's first vegan paradise. They were living testaments to Genesis 1:29, God's first dietary law: "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food."
Isaiah 11:7, God's last dietary law, states, "The wolf will live with the lamb, the cow will feed with the bear, the lion will eat straw like the ox, and a little child will lead them. And neither will harm nor destroy on My Holy Mountain." The beginning and the end are vegan because veganism is the only way to live without bloodshed and cruelty.
Many other scriptures profess God's love for animals. "God tests them [humans] so that they may see they are like the animals. Man's fate is like that of the animals. The same fate awaits them both. As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place. All come from dust and to dust all return. Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth." Ecclesiastes 3:19-21
”In that day I will make a covenant for them. With the beasts of the field and the birds of the air, and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land so that all may lay down in safety. I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion." Hosea 2:18-19
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Photo by Florian Pinkert
Christspiracy
For those seeking a deeper understanding of how veganism connects to Christian faith, Christspiracy is an eye-opening documentary that challenges conventional beliefs and explores the ethical, spiritual, and environmental implications of consuming animals. This thought-provoking film delves into the teachings of Jesus and asks an important question: if Christ preached love, mercy, and compassion, should His followers extend that same compassion to all of God’s creatures?
Christspiracy features insights from Christian leaders, biblical scholars, and theologians who examine how modern animal agriculture conflicts with the core values of Christianity. It invites viewers to reconsider long-standing traditions and reflect on whether following Christ’s message of love means embracing a vegan lifestyle. Some scholars even suggest that Jesus Himself was vegan, advocating for the protection of all sentient beings and standing against unnecessary harm. If He lived today, would He not challenge us to reject cruelty and embrace a world where all of God’s creatures are treated with kindness?
We encourage you to approach it with an open heart and mind, allowing yourself to consider the possibility that extending kindness to animals is not only an ethical choice but a spiritual one.
A Journey of Compassion
If you’re new to the idea of veganism as a Christian, it may feel unfamiliar—even strange. Many of us grew up believing that eating animals was simply a part of life. That God gave us dominion over the animals. But at its core, veganism is not about restricting what you eat, or defying God’s Will—it’s about living in alignment with Him and the fundamental Christian values of love, kindness, and mercy.
Throughout this page, you’ll find testimonies from fellow Christians, including vicars, scholars, and everyday believers who have found that veganism strengthens their spiritual journey. Some even believe that Jesus Himself followed a vegan lifestyle and preached a message of non-violence towards all of God's creatures.
As you read on, we hope you will reflect on how caring for animals and making thoughtful food choices can be a profound way to honour God’s creation. No matter where you are on your journey, we welcome you with open hearts and encourage you to explore this path with curiosity and grace.
Thou Shalt Not Kill
Photo by Natalie Ng
‘Do you think that I speak of the eating of flesh, which you ignorantly do in your temples?' Not as your ancestors, who craved for flesh and taking of it, ate of corruption till it stankin their nostrils, and their carcasses fell by the thousands in the wilderness by reason of the plagues." 31:2-3
The Reality
The harsh truth of animal agriculture is that it is inherently cruel. The vast majority of farmed animals are slaughtered at a fraction of their natural lifespan—chickens at just six weeks old, pigs at six months, and cows at just a few years old when they could have lived well into their twenties. Most of these animals never see daylight until the day they are crammed onto transport trucks bound for the slaughterhouse, enduring immense stress, injury, and even death before they arrive.
Many people believe that choosing "free-range" or "organic" meat, dairy, or eggs ensures a better life for animals, but these labels are largely deceptive. Even in so-called humane farms, animals are still subjected to painful mutilations, unnatural living conditions, and ultimately the same terrifying slaughter process. The reality is that all animal farming—whether factory-farmed or "high welfare"—ends in suffering and death.
If you would like to learn more about the truth behind the meat, dairy, and egg industries, as well as other forms of animal exploitation, please visit our The Reality tab for in-depth information.
The Failures of Stunning Methods
Stunning methods, intended to render animals unconscious before slaughter, are just as horrific as the slaughter itself. While in the UK we often comfort ourselves with the idea that animals are “humanely” stunned before being killed, it is important to ask: what is humane about being lowered into a gas chamber, thrashing and gasping for air as your lungs burn? What is humane about being shackled upside down and dipped into an electrified water bath, feeling the current seize your muscles while still fully aware? What is humane about having a bolt gun misfire, causing immense pain and fear as the animal is shot repeatedly until they collapse? Or being gripped by electric tongs that malfunction, leaving the animal partially conscious as their throat is cut?
These are the standard stunning methods used in UK slaughterhouses, and yet, they frequently fail. Equipment malfunctions, human error, and the sheer panic of the animals all contribute to failures in stunning, meaning that thousands of animals each day endure the horror of being fully conscious when their throats are slit. They feel everything—the blade slicing through their flesh, the suffocating sensation of blood filling their airways, the agony of death creeping in as their life drains away. All of this happens in a slaughterhouse filled with the smell of blood and the terrified cries of those ahead of them in the line, creating an atmosphere of sheer terror before they even reach the killing floor.
Beyond the suffering of animals and workers, animal farming is one of the most wasteful and destructive systems on Earth. Producing just one pound of beef requires around 1,799 gallons of water, while soy only requires 226 gallons and wheat just 132 gallons. Over 50% of the world's grain is fed to livestock instead of to humans, meaning that vast quantities of food that could nourish the hungry are instead used to sustain an industry built on death.
The impact on developing countries is devastating. Around 82% of starving children live in regions where crops are grown to feed livestock destined for Western markets. These children go hungry while their countries' resources are diverted to satisfy the demand for meat in wealthier nations. If you are not moved by the suffering of animals, then consider this: is it right that children starve so that we may continue consuming products we do not need?
None of us are beyond redemption, but once we know the truth, we must take responsibility for our actions. As Christians, we are called to live with mercy and to reject cruelty wherever we find it. Once we understand the horrors inflicted on God’s creatures and our fellow humans for the sake of our appetites, we must ask ourselves: what would Jesus do?
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If farms and slaughterhouses truly align with God’s will, then surely you will have no issue watching the footage of these places. After all, if this is the natural order of things, why should it disturb you? If you find yourself unable to bear watching the reality of slaughter, ask yourself why. Could it be that deep down, you already know that there is nothing holy about this industry?
As a Christian, I firmly believe that animal agriculture is not the will of God but the result of humanity straying from His path. That does not mean that those who eat meat or work in the industry are inherently evil—I once believed in “ethical” farming myself. Many slaughterhouse workers are victims too, often refugees or those in desperate financial situations, forced into horrific working conditions for meagre pay. Slaughterhouse workers have some of the highest rates of PTSD, addiction, and violent behaviour due to the immense psychological toll of killing living beings day after day. Exposure to such violence desensitizes them, creating an increased risk of domestic violence and other aggressive tendencies within their communities. Many turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the trauma of their work, trapped in a cycle of despair.
Christian Holidays
Celebrating Easter, Lent, Christmas, or any other Christian holiday for that matter, need not be any different because you’re vegan. As we always say: veganism isn’t about changing your faith, traditions, or your culture - or even your eating habits, really. That’s because there’s a delicious alternative for everything you can possibly think of. So what better time to withdraw your support from these cruel industries and demonstrate your principles and commitment to peace, than in celebration of Christ?
Easter
If you’re interested in learning more about how Easter can be celebrated in a way that aligns with Christian values of kindness and compassion, we invite you to visit our dedicated Easter page.
There, you’ll find everything you need to create a meaningful and cruelty-free Easter celebration.
Lent
40 Days With God’s Creatures: Sarx offers a unique "40 Days With God’s Creatures" guide, providing daily reflections, Biblical readings, and creative activities. This guide helps you explore the relationship between your faith and the welfare of animals, encouraging a compassionate approach throughout Lent.
Vegan Fasting: Use Lent as an opportunity to fast from animal products and embrace a plant-based diet. "Animals First on the Second" is a vegan advocacy campaign that takes place on the second day of each month. The main activity involves participants fasting for 24 hours to highlight the suffering of billions of animals that endure starvation and other cruelties on their way to slaughterhouses. This monthly event aims to draw attention to animal rights and promote veganism through a symbolic act of solidarity and awareness-raising.
Participants in AFOTS mark their hands with a symbol resembling an empty plate with crossed utensils to signify their involvement. This mark encourages conversations about the fast and the broader message of vegan abolitionism. The goal is to engage others in discussions about animal cruelty and the importance of adopting a vegan lifestyle.
The movement was founded by Izzy Jacobus and focuses on creating organic, unforced interactions where people ask about the mark and the fast, allowing advocates to share their message more effectively.
Reflective Readings: Dive into thoughtful writings that connect Christianity and veganism. For example, Revd Ian Tattum's reflections on human-animal relationships during Lent can inspire you to rethink and deepen your understanding of compassion and stewardship.
Christmas
Christmas Food: With the vast array of vegan alternatives available today, it’s not only possible to still enjoy all your favourite festive treats, but easy! Imagine still being able to indulge in rich, spiced mince pies, decadent selection boxes filled with dairy-free plant milk chocolates, and aromatic gingerbread cookies, traditional fruit cakes, brimming with dried fruits and spices, without any of the guilt or the suffering that goes into the regular, animal-based products.
And when it comes to the main event, the classic Christmas roast, vegans also have endless choices. Whether you prefer a THIS! Is not Chicken roast, like us, or one of the many other plant-based meat substitutes, or a hearty mushroom wellington, or even a classic nut roast, there's a delicious option for everyone.
These vegan roasts pair perfectly with all the traditional trimmings, like crispy roast potatoes, sprouts, savory stuffing, and rich gravy - and we have a chicken gravy recipe that will blow your little reindeer socks off! And guess what? All supermarkets now sell vegan “pigs in blankets” too!
So you see, by embracing a vegan Christmas you can celebrate the season of giving and compassion to the full, and enjoy a feast that is as satisfying as it is ethical.
Compassionate Gifting: Christmas is a season of compassion and peace, making it the perfect opportunity to choose gifts that reflect these values. By opting for vegan and cruelty-free gifts, you ensure that your presents align with the true meaning of Christianity.
Traditional presents, like perfume, cologne, cosmetics, bath products and chocolates, can all be easily found in your typical high-street shop. For instance, Superdrug offers their own range of vegan products, while Lush and The Body Shop are renowned for their amazing vegan soaps and hygiene products. And Cruelty Free Kitty provides a comprehensive list of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. Check out our Animal Testing page for more information on that.
And, there is an abundant range of vegan chocolate available in every supermarket. And for those looking for something extra special, Hotel Chocolat offers luxurious vegan selections that are sure to impress.
Beyond physical gifts, you could always consider making charity donations, or planting trees in someone's name. These thoughtful gestures not only pair perfectly with the season's message of love and peace, but contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable world.
Donate or Volunteer: Another wonderful way to embrace the true spirit of Christmas is by donating old fur coats, towels or blankets to animal shelters, or donate vegan products to your local food bank. You could even volunteer your time to help those in need. Consider spending the day at an animal shelter or sanctuary, where your efforts can directly improve the lives of animals in desperate need of care and companionship. Alternatively, you can make a significant impact for your fellow man by feeding the homeless and the elderly an ethical dinner at a vegan soup kitchen, like the one pictured here. These little acts of kindness not only provide essential support to vulnerable people and animals alike, but also spread the message of compassion and empathy that the holiday season embodies.
Peaceful Reflections: You can also incorporate moments of reflection and gratitude into your Christmas celebrations. Attend church services that emphasize peace and goodwill to all creatures, or spend time in nature appreciating the beauty of God's creation. Reflect on how the birth of Jesus calls us to live with greater compassion and kindness towards all beings.
Waste Not Café, Chesterfield Baptist Church
What Vegan Christians Have to Say
“I believe that all Christians should be vegan, both because that is clearly what the Bible tells us if one looks at it as a whole, and because we should be concerned about feeding the poor, caring for the environment, and health. One day Christians will be as ashamed of supporting meat eating as the are now of once having supported the slave-trade. ”
“The Bible starts with the plant-based Garden of Eden and ends in Revelation with eating from the tree of life again. Despite the cruel actions of Christians in history, Jesus taught mainly compassion for our neighbour. Compassion for the lives of animals in not killing and exploiting them aligns with veganism. Not killing someone with a soul aligns with the Biblical word ‘nephesh', which describes the breath of life and is also the word for the soul of animals.”
- Colin Ayres, We The Free Organizer
“Awareness of God and the interconnectivity of His Creation heard me as a toddler imploring everyone not to hurt “God’s Mamamals.” Cognitive bias and dissonance vacillated throughout my life until full realization of the intersectionality of all living beings awakened me to my true purpose, to bring Heaven to earth.”
- Vivienne Brooks Jacobsz
We The Free Ambassador
Western Cape, South Africa
“I think some Christians encounter defensiveness because our veganism makes them question how they practice their Christianity. Are they not “Christian enough” if they are not vegan? This is a silly question, but one that is the product of a cultural shift towards an individualistic notion of salvation that doesn’t take seriously the call by the writer of James to be a doer of the word and not merely a hearer.”
- Rev Dr Christian Carter