Thanks for writing , Marty .  I wonder if these "degrees" are today  what is meant by "gradual -ness " .  Then we need to consider how we receive these understandings .  And we must use some of the aspects of "church " in the process .  
Historical events influence attitudes yet the Spirit promised by Christ draws us patiently .  
As we , the church come out of the shackles of the Counter Reformation , I think you are correct :   there are things and attitudes which aren't " a particularly productive approach to discussion ."
As the body of Christ we are all involved in striving towards discernment of what God sees as the Blessed interpretation and implementation of the Gospel .