Why I am vegan and what the Bible has to say about that . . .

Why I’m Vegan And How I Found Peace With It Biblically

People often ask me why I’m vegan, and the truth is simple and deeply personal:

I’m vegan because I love animals SO MUCH, and because I care deeply about the planet we are leaving behind for future generations.

Animals have been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve raised them, rescued them, cared for them, and cried over them. I’ve seen their intelligence, their fears, their emotions, and the way God crafted each one with personality and purpose.

I’m also passionate about creation care. About protecting the land, the water, the air, and the ecosystems that future generations will depend on.

Those two things, are the overwhelming reasons I’m vegan. But I want to share something else with you. Years ago, I started to question if I was wrong. Not because of science, not because of health, but because many Christian meat-eaters confronted me, questioned me, or made comments suggesting my choice was unbiblical or “too extreme.” Last year, even my beloved cousin told me that she thought I idolized animals. So I took it to the Lord. All of it.

I remember wondering?

• “Am I dishonoring God by not eating meat?”

• “Does Scripture require or expect me to?”

• “Am I being overly sensitive about animals?”

• “Am I idolizing animals?”

I never judge anyone else for eating meat, but I suddenly felt judged for not eating it.

So like I said, I did what most Christians do when they’re confused, I went to Scripture. And what I found there brought me so much peace. Not because it condemned veganism, but because it supported the peace and compassion I already felt.

What I discovered in the Bible settled my spirit and brought understanding. It gave me a deeper sense of peace about the choices I make.

This blog post is the flow of that journey.

How I became vegan out of love, why I once questioned myself, and how Scripture eventually gave me assurance rather than guilt.

1. God’s Original Design Was Completely Plant-Based

Before sin entered the world, nothing died to feed anyone.

Genesis 1:29–30

“I have given you every plant… and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food…And to every beast of the earth… I have given every green plant for food.”

In Eden:

• humans ate plants

• animals ate plants

• nothing hunted

• nothing suffered

• nothing bled

God called that world “very good.”

This is not a requirement for today,

but it does show God’s original blueprint.

And discovering that brought comfort to me as someone who loves animals.

2. After the Fall, Creation Shifted — But Meat Still Wasn’t Allowed Yet

The Fall introduced:

• violence

• decay

• predation

• fear

• harm

But humans still didn’t eat animals after the Fall. Biblically, the permission to eat meat didn’t come until much later.

3. After the Flood, God Permitted Meat — But It Was a Concession

Genesis 9:3

“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. As I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.”

This was the first time humans were allowed to eat meat.

Most scholars (Christian, Jewish, and historical) agree:

• the flood drastically changed the environment

• plant availability may have been limited

• this was a concession for a broken world, not a return to Eden

God immediately added boundaries:

Genesis 9:4

“But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.”

This shows He still honored the sanctity of life.

Learning this helped me realize:

The Bible does not demand that I eat meat — and it never shames those who choose not to.

4. The Bible’s Vision of the Future Looks Like Eden Restored.

This part brought me even more peace.

Isaiah paints a picture of the Messiah’s restored Kingdom:

Isaiah 11:6–9

“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb…

They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain.”

For centuries, Christians have understood this in two ways:

Literal:

Animals themselves will live in harmony without violence. A reversal of the curse.

Symbolic:

The imagery represents peace among humans; oppressors no longer harming the weak.

Either way, the message is restoration...

A world without violence, harm, or fear.

For someone who loves animals, this felt like confirmation rather than conflict.

5. What the Bible Actually Says About Individual Food Convictions

One of the most freeing things in Scripture is this:

Colossians 2:16

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink…”

No one gets to shame you for what you choose to eat or not eat.

I stopped feeling guilty the moment I understood this. My convictions, formed from compassion, stewardship, and conscience, are valid before God.

So why am I vegan and why is it ok? I’ll say it again…

* I am vegan because I passionately love animals. This is my number one reason — above everything else.

* I am vegan because I care about the planet. Our choices affect the environment our grandchildren will inherit.

* I am vegan because it aligns with the care of creation. God gave us dominion, not domination.

* I am vegan because Scripture does not condemn it. And discovering that gave me peace.

* Additionally, I do not judge anyone who chooses to eat meat. People have different convictions, needs, health requirements, and cultures. I never push my choices on others.

I simply live gently with what I believe reflects compassion and stewardship.

Being vegan doesn’t make me more righteous —

and not being vegan doesn’t make anyone less.

I just want to:

• honor God’s creation

• reduce harm

• care for His creatures (the biggest reason of all)

• steward the planet responsibly

• and live at peace with my convictions

Years ago(especially last year), I wondered if I was wrong for being vegan. After studying Scripture, I feel settled. I feel peace and I know my choice comes from a place of love, not rebellion, guilt, or pressure.

If this helps even one person understand veganism through a different lens; or relieves someone who has been judged for their food choices, then sharing my story was worth it. 🫶🏽