Veganism: could it be seen as a religion?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can evaluate whether ethical veganism could qualify as a religion based on existing definitions and in comparison to the Jain faith.
Key learning points
- Ethical vegans exclude all forms of animal exploitation, as far as is possible.
- Ethical veganism is recognised in UK law as a philosophical belief protected by the Equality Act.
- Ahimsa and not harming any life is central to the Jain religion.
- We can compare Jainism and ethical veganism to better understand how religion can be defined.
Keywords
Ahimsa - without harm; the principle of being non-violent
Ethical veganism - choosing to live without exploiting animals in any way
Jain - a dharmic religious tradition with a high commitment to ahimsa
Protected characteristic - nine characteristics protected by the Equality Act of 2010
Common misconception
That ahimsa only relates to not harming animal life.
Ahimsa relates to not harming any living thing, so can include humans, animals and plants if someone considers that a living thing.
Teacher tip
Students could further research the court case that decided ethical veganism was a 'philosophical belief' and other such cases, for example, around climate change.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Many Japanese identify as ...
Q2.Which is a major tradition in Japan?
Q3.Why do some Japanese couples choose Christian-style weddings, despite most of the population identifying as mushukyo?
Q4.Some Japanese hold beliefs about gods and ...
Q5.In what way does Shinto typically differ from many other organised religions?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to its meaning.
Q2.Ethical veganism is protected under the Act 2010.
Q3.Ahimsa is central to which religion?
Q4.According to Jain belief, what does harming living beings result in?
Q5.What core values do Jainism and ethical veganism have in common?
Q6.What does the idea of a vegan 'awakening' refer to?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Veganism: could it be seen as a religion?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Veganism: could it be seen as a religion?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Belief: what is religion and does everyone understand it in the same way? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.