John Calvin influenced religious thought by asserting what idea?

John Calvin's theological contributions are foundational to Reformed theology, particularly his notion of predestination, which is encapsulated in the idea that God has planned the fate of all people. Calvin argued that before creation, God selected certain individuals for salvation while others were destined for damnation. This perspective highlighted God's sovereignty and the belief that human efforts do not influence one's eternal destiny, emphasizing that salvation is entirely dependent on God's will and grace rather than human actions or decisions. This view was radical for its time and significantly diverged from the Catholic Church’s teachings, which emphasized the importance of faith and good works in achieving salvation. Calvin's ideas not only shaped Protestant beliefs but also had profound effects on the development of various Christian denominations and their understanding of faith, grace, and divine justice.