Does the word “tolerance” mean essential belief and conviction?
From the dictionary:
Tolerance: noun.
1. the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does NOT NECESSARILY AGREE with.
2. the capacity to ENDURE continued subjection to something, especially a drug, transplant, antigen, or environmental conditions, without adverse reaction.
SEE ALSO forbearance
patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.
SEE ALSO Sufferance
absence of objection RATHER THAN genuine approval
When a person uses the phrase “Tolerant Calvinist” to describe a person that AGREES with the thing they are tolerating, it is a contradiction. I’ll offer some alternative monikers later.
God is said to have forbearance. Does that mean that God agrees with what He forbears with?
Romans 3:25 "This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed"
Romans 2:4 "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" (Berean Study Bible).
Also translated "restraint and patience”.
Why? Because the kindness of God (through the delay of His judgement) leads people to repentance. Does His tolerance mean He agrees with those who will not repent?
The truly tolerant Calvinist is one who wants to correct but knows when to wisely hold his tongue. He is wise in knowing when to speak and when not to speak. The tolerant Calvinist looks for the opportunity to tell the Arminian the same thing God told Isaiah to tell His people:
Is 58:1 “Cry loudly, do not hold back; Raise your voice like a trumpet, And declare to My people their wrongdoing, And to the house of Jacob their sins."
The Tolerant Calvinist is a coward if he never says anything. But that doesn't mean he agrees with what he doesn't agree with. Tolerant Calvinism is a pejorative given to those who are not as outspoken or militant, by those who think they should be just like them.
What people MISTAKENLY call Tolerant Calvinists are actually those who don't see a problem and it never enters their mind that Arminians are missing the gospel and that they need to be told. They think it would be nice if they learned the doctrines of grace but maybe later.
Call them Ecumenical Calvinists. Call them Partnership Calvinists. Call them Allied Calvinists. Call them Protestant Brotherhood Calvinists. Federated Calvinists. Amalgamated Calvinists. Blended Calvinists.
But but don't call them Tolerant Calvinists. It confuses people who know the dictionary definition of tolerance.
Yes CALVINISTS must also “Cry loudly, do not hold back; Raise your voice like a trumpet, And declare to My people their wrongdoing, And to the house of Jacob their sins." Is 58:1
But let it be God who attacks at the judgment not us.