Saving the Apostate

The following is an excerpt from the Perditionem Haereticorum, an essay entitled "Saving the Apostate".
Perhaps the most vexing of questions facing a young Inquisitor is that of the Apostate—one who has turned from the Sanguine Faith. Apostasy, in Hadean Doctrine, is—short of Sacrocide, the highest of Heresies. Indeed, the Apostate evokes even deeper revulsion in the eyes of God than does the Infidel. For, while the Infidel is guilty of grievous Sin, they have never known our Father's Grace. Ignorance does not excuse their transgression, but it does at times engender one to temper their righteous deed with Mercy.
It is this Mercy, I believe, that spurs Gaius Xilos Terminus, a brother of some esteem within the Inquisition. Lord Sir Terminus argues that as Inquisitors, our duty is not merely to eliminate the threats against our Faith, but to spread and protect it. Thus, as he and other proponents of this "Missionary" style of Inquisition say, it is optimal to guide an Apostate back into the arms of Hadeus, rather than to simply Punish them, as is common Doctrine. This position, while unpalatable to many, is not without its merits. Our God is, after all, infallibly Good. Would He not then prefer us to extend the hand of Mercy and Understanding towards those whose Faith has wavered? Are not these wayward Souls the Kin of Faith we are sworn to defend in our efforts?
For most of the Faithful, however, the answer to these fancies is "No." For them, no such Mercy is afforded to the Apostate, and not without Good reason. As Lady Avina Corvus Inquisitorum so eloquently put, the Apostate has already proven themselves a Traitor. It was their Duty and Charge, as the Faithful, to keep the Faith in the first place. Why would any rational actor believe that, already once having turned from the Proper Path, they will not do so again? Treason, I have often said, is not a decision. It is a habit. And Treason against the King of Kings is the most venomous and degenerate of all.
Faced with these radically divergent perspectives from equally qualified and pious agents of our Allfather, one may find themselves in question as to the proper Action. As I have admitted, both approaches are with their own merits. However, in this dilemma, as in all matters, there is a Truth to be extracted.
The Truth that I have divined, through much deliberation and experimentation, is that the highest prudence is found in a combined approach. Indeed, it is optimal that the Apostate be returned to the correct path. However, to simply allow such Sin to go without proper castigation would, in my sight, be a Sin of it own, and leaves open the gate for further corruption of the Soul. Therefore, it is the best practice to turn all efforts and methods towards reconversion; and, once the success or failure of such an endeavor is determined, follow it with immediate Execution.
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