What brought the problem of "lapsed Christians" to a head?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The persecution of Christians during the reign of Emperor Decius in 250-251 and the plague in 252 led many Christians to renounce their faith in order to avoid persecution or death. This created a problem of "lapsed Christians" who wanted to return to the Church but were not welcomed back by some members who believed they should have persevered in their faith during times of persecution. This issue led to debates and discussions within the Church about the nature of forgiveness and penance, and ultimately led to the development of the sacrament of penance and the idea of a "second chance" for lapsed Christians to return to the Church.

What Brought the Problem of "Lapsed Christians" to a Head