What doctrine was central to John Calvin's teachings?

The central doctrine of John Calvin's teachings is predestination, which asserts that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned, independent of any actions taken by individuals. This concept emphasizes God's sovereignty and grace, implying that salvation is a gift from God and not something that can be earned through good deeds or personal merit.

Calvin's interpretation contrasts sharply with ideas of free will, which suggests that individuals have the ability to choose their path to salvation. Similarly, transubstantiation, the belief in the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist, does not align with Calvin’s views, as he rejected a literal interpretation of the Eucharist in favor of a more symbolic understanding. The social contract, a political theory regarding the legitimacy of authority and government, is also outside the scope of Calvin's theological focus. Thus, predestination serves as the foundation upon which Calvin built much of his theological framework, influencing the development of Reformed churches and Protestant thought.