A fascinating insight into the link between religion and veganism, from Dr Ellie Atayee-Bennett, highlights the research gap between the intertwined subjects, pulling from disciplines of sociology, theology, sustainability and culture in the recent episode of the Meliora podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton.
From the depths of her research, Dr Atayee-Bennet has coined the term “Faith Veganism” as a new denomination of veganism that incorporates the intrinsic link between religious teachings, beliefs and the vegan lifestyle. Dr Atayee-Bennett describes a strong sense of environmental justice rooted in sustainability and a love for nature, coupled with a strong pursuit of knowledge that has allowed her research to flourish.
Professor Kemp and Dr Atayee-Bennett take a dive into their shared experiences when deciding to embark on plant-based diets. Dr Atayee-Bennet highlights a truly unique childhood experience in the form of a dream that instilled a strong sense of faith and “sanctity of life” further enhancing her “appreciation for life”.
Her background in sociology and anthropology, along with her master’s research on the perception of veganism in Islam, has driven her deeper exploration of veganism within Abrahamic faiths. Recognizing food as a key aspect of culture and community, she examines socio-cultural food choices in religious practices.
Her research, using semi-structured interviews within UK Abrahamic communities, highlights the concept of faith-based veganism, acknowledging the symbolic role of food, such as communion in Christianity, she notes that the role of meat can often symbolize power, wealth and status in traditional religious practices. However, she contrasts this with the modern shift toward sustainability and personal ethics, showing how many faith vegans are redefining their food choices—not just to align with a vegan lifestyle but also as a reflection of their evolving interpretations of scripture.
Dr Atayee-Bennett introduces the concept of “reflective religiosity”—the empowerment to “re-interpret religious teachings” in ways that align with contemporary challenges and personal morals, such as rejecting the need for animal use. This perspective also highlights the urgent need to decarbonize food production while addressing animal rights and exploitation concerns.
In her paper, “Purity and Pollution: Faith Vegans’ Categorizations of Plant-Based Foods as Pure and Animal-Derived Foods as Polluting”, published in the Food, Culture & Society journal, she explores the concept of “permissible” foods, examining the significance of halal meat in Islam and the requirement to keep kosher in Judaism. She also highlights the absence of pork in both religions, attributing its exclusion to historical associations with poor hygiene and disease. She connects this to the broader concept of “speciesism,” a bias that shapes societal and cultural perceptions of which animals are deemed acceptable for consumption.
As explored, Faith Veganism bridges the gap between religious practices, environmental sustainability and ethical consumption, challenging conventional dietary norms. Our food choices shape not only our health but also the future of our planet—how can we ensure they align with both sustainability, ethics and culture?
Written by Maya Stevens – intern under the Sustainability Resilience Institute
Enjoyed this piece and want to learn more? Listen to this episode of the Meliora podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton on the podcast website or wherever you get your podcasts! (e.g. Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music).
References:
Atayee-Bennett, E. (2024). Purity and pollution: faith vegans’ categorizations of plant-based foods as pure and animal-derived foods as polluting. Food Culture & Society, pp.1–18. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15528014.2024.2406079.
