Which historical figure greatly influenced Puritan belief with the idea of predestination?

John Calvin is recognized for greatly influencing Puritan belief through his doctrine of predestination. In his theological framework, Calvin posited that God has predetermined the fate of individuals—who would be saved and who would be damned—before they are even born. This idea resonated deeply with the Puritans, who adopted Calvin’s teachings as foundational to their religious beliefs. They emphasized the notion that salvation is a matter of divine grace rather than human effort, which fostered a sense of assurance and introspection among the believers regarding their spiritual status.

Calvin’s impact is evident in the way Puritans structured their communities and their understanding of faith, characterizing their lives with a strong emphasis on moral purity and a severe sense of individual accountability to God’s will. His writings, particularly "Institutes of the Christian Religion," served as a critical source for Puritan theology and practice, intertwining with their views on the centrality of scripture and the importance of a personal relationship with God, validated through community and church teachings.