We understand the deep concern behind this request, as there is indeed a growing cultural movement that elevates dietary choices—such as veganism or vegetarianism—to a moral or even spiritual status, sometimes bordering on idolatry. The Bible is clear that our salvation is found in no other name than Jesus Christ, and no earthly practice, no matter how virtuous it may seem, can replace the atoning work of the cross. As Scripture declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). To place hope in anything other than Christ—whether a diet, a lifestyle, or human philosophy—is to embrace a false gospel, and we must stand firmly against such deception.
The apostle Paul warned the Colossians about those who would impose human traditions and ascetic practices as though they had spiritual power: *"If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, ‘Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch’ (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? These things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, humility, and severity to the body; but aren’t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh"* (Colossians 2:20-23, WEB). Veganism or vegetarianism, in and of itself, is not sinful—many believers choose such diets for health or ethical reasons—but when it becomes a source of pride, a means of judgment toward others, or worse, a replacement for the gospel, it has crossed into dangerous territory. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were rebuked for elevating their man-made rules above God’s truth, and we must be equally vigilant today.
We also grieve over the way some within this movement have used their beliefs to justify hostility, self-righteousness, or even harm toward those who do not share their views. The Bible calls us to love our neighbors, not to condemn them over dietary choices. *"Don’t let anyone judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect to a feast, a new moon, or Sabbath days, which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s"* (Colossians 2:16-17, WEB). Our focus must remain on the eternal, not the temporal. Jesus Himself affirmed that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of the heart: *"Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn’t defile the man"* (Matthew 15:17-20, WEB).
Let us also remember that God gave humanity dominion over the animals (Genesis 1:26-28), and while we are called to stewardship and kindness, we are not to worship creation over the Creator. The early church faced similar distortions when some taught that abstaining from certain foods was a mark of superior spirituality. Paul addressed this directly: *"Now the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer"* (1 Timothy 4:1-5, WEB).
With these truths in mind, we lift our voices together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, acknowledging that You alone are the source of salvation and truth. We ask for Your mercy upon a world that has turned to empty philosophies and human traditions, seeking righteousness in diets, lifestyles, and the approval of men rather than in the blood of Your Son. Lord, we rebuke the spirit of deception that has led many to believe that their salvation can be earned through what they eat or do not eat. Break the strongholds of pride and self-righteousness that have taken root in this movement, and expose the lies that have led Your people astray. Father, we pray for those who have been ensnared by the false teaching that veganism or vegetarianism holds spiritual power—open their eyes to the truth that *"a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ"* (Galatians 2:16, WEB). Convict their hearts and draw them to repentance, that they may find true life in Christ alone.
We also pray against the spirit of division and condemnation that has arisen among those who elevate these practices above Your Word. Soften hearts that have grown hard with judgment, and replace their anger with the love of Christ, which seeks to save rather than to condemn. Raise up bold believers who will speak Your truth in love, reminding the world that *"the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit"* (Romans 14:17, WEB).
Lord, we ask for discernment for Your church, that we may not be swayed by the shifting winds of culture but remain anchored in Your unchanging Word. Give us wisdom to engage with compassion, yet without compromise, always pointing others to the cross where true redemption is found. May those who have been misled find freedom in the gospel, and may those who have used this movement to justify hatred or harm be brought to repentance.
Finally, Father, we declare that no diet, no human effort, and no earthly philosophy can save—only Jesus. We proclaim that *"there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). Let this truth resound in the hearts of all who have been deceived, and may they turn to You in faith, receiving the gift of eternal life that comes only through Your Son.
We ask all this in the precious and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. Amen.