John Calvin (Calvin of Geneva)

John Calvin was a 16th-century French theologian and reformer who played a key role in the Protestant Reformation. Based in Geneva, he emphasized God's sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and the idea that salvation is a result of divine predestination. Calvin’s teachings influenced the development of Reformed and Presbyterian churches and contributed to a shift towards a disciplined, morally committed Christian life. His writings, especially "Institutes of the Christian Religion," remain foundational in Christian theology, marking him as one of the most influential figures in Protestant history.