Over the past few decades, the number of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated—often referred to as “nones”—has grown rapidly. In the 1970s, only about 5% of Americans fell into this category. Today, that number exceeds 25%. Scholars have debated whether this change simply reflects a general decline in belief, or whether it signals something more complex. The research team wanted to explore the deeper forces at play: Why are people leaving institutional religion? What are they replacing it with? And how are their personal values shaping that process?
The grape juice was used because a lot of evangelicals are teetotalers and think even a shot of wine is gonna corrupt peeps.
Which, goes to the other reason Protestants frequently don’t: they don’t see a need to serve wine, while they don’t want to potentially cause an alcoholic to stumble. The chance might be small, but then it’s all symbolic anyway.
Also, grape juice is cheaper.