Animals: Tradition - Philosophy - Religion Article used with permission from All-Creatures.org

Rev. Dina A. Miani Lauman reflects on veganism as a divine calling and a spiritual journey, one which requires courage and inspires joy.

Being Vegan
From Rev. Dina A. Miani Lauman, MainStreetVegan.com
January 2025

Photo credit: Dina A. Miani Lauman

Veganism is more than a way of eating—it’s a divine calling that invites us to surrender to love and compassion in every aspect of life. It’s a sacred journey that awakens us to the interconnectedness of all Creation, transforming the way we see the world and our place within it. When we embrace veganism as a divine calling, we step into a life of deeper faith and purpose. This choice opens our hearts to the sacred essence in Creation and in every living being, aligning us with God’s love for all creatures. It’s a path of joy, grief, and hope—a journey of living out love and building a world that reflects the Creator’s vision for peace and harmony.

Veganism as a Divine Calling

More and more, I’ve come to realize that being vegan is so much more than a lifestyle—it’s an amazing spiritual journey. It’s a sacred choice that awakens a whole and holy new way of seeing, being, and living in the world. When we take that step, it’s as though a door opens, and once we’ve crossed through, there’s no turning back. Not that we’d ever want to! Because on the other side is wonder: an ever-deepening love for life, for Creation, and for the divine essence in everything.

Seeing God in All Things

As vegans, we see God’s presence in animals whom many still regard as merely farmed products. But we know the truth—they are hallowed, sacred beings, brimming with God’s spirit, just like you and me. God’s pulse moves through all Creation, from a cow’s gentle eyes to the blade of grass swaying in the wind.

In Scripture, we find reminders of God’s love for all creatures. From the Covenant with Noah that includes “every living creature” to Jesus’ assurance that not even a sparrow is forgotten by God, Divine care for life is clear. Veganism as a divine calling is a way to honor this love, to respect the sacredness of all beings, and to live in harmony with the Creator’s vision for a world rooted in compassion.

The Earth was created vegan. In the Genesis 1:29-30 text describing Creation, we read:

Then God said, “I’ve given you
every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth
And every kind of fruit-bearing tree,
given them to you for food.
To all animals and all birds,
everything that moves and breathes,
I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.”
And there it was.
(The Message Translation, MSG)

A Journey of Joy and Grief

With this awakening comes both unimaginable joy and deep grief. We rejoice in aligning with love, yet we carry the heartbreak of knowing how much suffering exists. We’ve had to reckon with our own past participation and witness the ongoing harm inflicted on animals, the Earth, and even ourselves. This emotional and psychological journey calls for courage.

Grief can make us more empathetic. It reminds us to stay tender, to care deeply even when it hurts. But joy is also abundant—the joy of knowing an animal’s life was spared, the joy of a vibrant, plant-based meal, and the joy of living in alignment with our highest values. Choosing veganism as a divine calling helps us hold space for both emotions as we work toward a more compassionate world.

Building a Vegan World with Veganism as a Divine Calling

We already live in a vegan world. It’s here, waiting for more hearts to awaken. Like the Reign of God that Jesus proclaims, this compassionate world is both present and unfolding. Each vegan choice we make, every meal, every conversation, is a step toward building that world of love.

This is more than personal, it’s about advocacy and community. Together, we envision a future where violence is replaced with peace, where ecosystems flourish, and where all beings are treated with dignity. Living out veganism as a divine calling inspires us to join hands in building this vision.

Living Out Love

I am proud to call myself vegan. It reflects a choice for empathy, compassion, and peace. It means I can look into the eyes of a cow, pig, chicken, fish, or turkey with a peaceful heart, knowing I choose not to harm them.

To be vegan is to choose love. It’s a brave act of hope and faith in a better world. Veganism as a divine calling invites everyone to take part in this sacred journey. Let’s continue walking this sacred journey together. Everyone is invited!

With Love, Rev. Dina

By Rev. Dina A. Miani Lauman, trained and certified as a vegan lifestyle coach and educator by Main Street Vegan Academy, www.MainStreetVegan.com

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Posted on All-Creatures: February 28, 2025
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