 John Calvin ( / <unk> / ; French : Jean Calvin , pronounced : [ ʒɑ ̃ <unk> ̃ ] ; born Jehan Cauvin : 10 July 1509 – 27 May 1564 ) was an influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation . He was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism , aspects of which include the doctrine of predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation of the human soul from death and eternal damnation . In these areas Calvin was influenced by the Augustinian tradition . Various Congregational , Reformed and Presbyterian churches , which look to Calvin as the chief expositor of their beliefs , have spread throughout the world . 
