khaz the 6th commandment is 'thou shalt not kill.' i guess soldiers who practice christianity aren't really christian
there are debates on whether or not the 6th commandment is translated to "kill" or "murder" which in only certain circumstances are they synonymous.
I guess the same could be said for the first Precept, but it is generally taught as no violence at all and "there are other ways to resolve conflict than the death of others" sort of thing, yknow? That being said, Buddha's teachings are probably the epitome of the term "nonviolence" and are very solemnly upheld. Like killing is the utmost last thing a Buddhist would need to resort to and even then it's viewed as in poor taste. It's almost disrespectful to refer to oneself as "Buddhist" and you've killed, though this is "repent-able" through self guidance and spiritual mending and of course through good deeds to others around you as well.
and everybody who is forced to kill an attacker in self defense... also not a christian
to be fair there are ways to disable an attacker without killing them. that entirely depends on the situation though. A "true" Buddhist who follows teachings and is one with self would most likely do everything in his power to not seriously harm the attacker and if it comes to it, die with dignity and allow themselves to be reborn as a better person because that's what the universe has planned for them.
Even if you break one of the fundamental teachings of a given religion, you can most definitely still be considered a part of the congregation. There are even processes by which to be absolved of your sin-equivalents in Buddhism like in Christianity, it's just a different process.
This is agreeable.
I've drank. I've smoked weed. I've lied and I've gossiped, and I've killed living organisms. That's breaking 4 of the five core teachings, but the whole point of Buddhism is to better yourself and your community as a whole with these teachings as a foundation. 3 of these teachings are kind of flexible based on the sect of Buddhism you follow, but the other 2, loveual misconduct and killing are kind of universally strict. I still refer to myself as Buddhist because I am actively trying everyday to better myself spiritually, physically, and mentally, while also trying to better those who are in my community. With that being said, core teachings of a religion/philosophy are always disputed territory as everyone has different morals and environments that influence them.
