What is the term for the theological theory that emphasizes God's preordination of salvation?

The term that emphasizes God's preordination of salvation is predestination. This theological concept, primarily associated with some branches of Christianity such as Calvinism, posits that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned. This belief underscores the idea that salvation is not based on individual merit or actions, but rather on God's sovereign choice.

Predestination contrasts with concepts such as redemption, which refers to the act of saving or being saved, typically through Jesus Christ. Salvation itself is a broader term encompassing the overall process or state of being saved from sin and its consequences. The Reformation, which was a movement in the 16th century aimed at reforming the practices of the Catholic Church, was influenced by these ideas, particularly the emphasis on scripture and individual faith, but it is not specifically about the preordained nature of salvation. Thus, the focus on predestination correctly highlights the specific theological stance on God's role in determining the fate of souls.