Calvin's Christian commitment is one of active engagement with culture and society. Its theology is both covenental and creedal, emphasizing the sovereign role of God in human affairs and the trustworthiness of God's promises as revealed in creation, in scripture and in the work of the Holy Spirit. The Reformed tradition in American Protestantism is one that values the life of the mind and demands that its believers be active in the redemption of all aspects of life and society. The Christian responds in gratitude to the redemptive work of Christ in atoning for the sin of the human race and providing the way for the return to God.
Nothing is off limits for the working of salt and light.
They are to demonstrate Christlike humility in servant relationships with others, obedience to God's commands and a spirit of generosity to those who suffer from sickness, poverty, hunger, abandonment or grief. They are to seek justice and promote mercy. Reformed theologian and political leader Abraham Kuyper demanded that Christians not rest until every square inch of the creation should acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. Calvin College thus expects that its faculty, staff and students will be actively engaged in the reclamation of creation through demonstrating the demands of Christian faith in the arts, humanities, sciences, and professions. To that end all classes taught at Calvin are to articulate the vision of the faith for their home discipline.