Buddhism Sounds Like Protestanism

"The precursor to these reform movements was the monk Genshin (942-1017). His popular work Ojo Yoshu (Essentials of Salvation) depicted the horrors of hell and contrasted them vividly with the bliss of the Western Paradise. To attain rebirth in this paradise, Genshin stressed faith in the efficacy of the original vow of Amida Buddha (Amitabha). This could be manifested in the practice of menbutsu, by reciting the sacred name of Amida Buddha in the formula Namu Amida Butsu (Hail to the Name of Amida Buddha).

By stressing faith and dependence on the power of another (tariki), Genshin brought a totally new conccept to Japanese Buddhism. The sequel to his teaching was to deny, as a means of salvation, dependence on one's own strength (jiriki) as practiced in traditional Buddhism, be it in the form of ascetic observance, in spiritual and metaphysical exercises, or in performing good works. By simplifying the creed, he also opened the gate of paradise to the reach of common men.

The way that was paved by Genshin was brought into fruition by Honen (1133-1212), who became the ffounder of the Pure Land (Jodo) Sect in Japan (around 1175). Honen taught absolute efficacy of nembutsu, and departed in some points from the teachings of Genshin. For example, Genshin maintained that in invoking the sacred name of Buddha, one ought to form a mental image of Amida Buddha, and meditate on it. Honen rejected meditation or complete comprehension as unnecessary.

Shinran (1173-1262) moved Honen's teachings of the absolute efficacy of nembutsu one step further and to its logical conclusion. In traditional Pure Land beliefs, such as those advocated by the Chinese monk Shandao and by Honen, the awakening of faith required diligent observance of prayers to the Three Treasures. Thus there was an an element of acquiring faith by one's own power. To Shinran "faith is a gift freely given" by all Buddhas. He maintained that faith as well as the thought of Amida Buddha was transferred to or conferred upon all sentient beings to ensure the latter's salvation. And since salvation was dependent on the works of Amida Buddha: "If a good man can attain salvation, even more so a wicked man."

From "Japan: A Documentary History" by David Lu.

Wow, didn't know until about 30 seconds ago that there's evidence of early Christianity reaching Japan in around 400 AD. However, given that the widely accepted notion that Christianity didn't arrive until 1549, then you'll be quick to notice the similarities between Christian ideas and a Buddhist ideology that wasn't supposed to know that it existed, especially given that Luther didn't write his 95 Thesis until 1517--well after Shinran said "faith is a gift freely given" by all Buddhas.