There are Mennonites, and then there are Mennonites. As with almost all religions, different members have different views of their religious practices. Those who tend toward a fundamentalist, literalist, ideological view of the denomination, are the ones likely to get into trouble.

Those who see their faith as more of a cultural and philosophical context, tend to be more open-minded. Apparently, Mr. Shaw understands only the former.

I used to live in Fresno, California, home of a large Mennonite population with a college. These are Mennonites who are more philosophical, and the college has fostered some serious scholarship. Mennonites are quite ardent pacifists, and do a lot for the cause of peace and social justice worldwide. The Mennonites in Fresno were generally conservative in dress, but very few of them followed the severe lifestyle and dress that is practiced by more conservative Mennonites. I found the Fresno Mennonites to be delightful people who enjoyed intelligent discussion.