Why is the set of human beliefs and behaviours that we call "e;religion"e; such a widespread feature of all known human societies, past and present, and why are there so many forms of religiosity found throughout history and culture? "e;Mental Culture"e; brings together an international range of scholars - from Anthropology, History, Psychology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies - to answer these questions. Connecting classical theories and approaches with the newly established field of the Cognitive Science of Religion, the aim of "e;Mental Culture"e; is to provide scholars and students of religion with an overview of contemporary scientific approaches to religion while tracing their intellectual development to some of the great thinkers of the past.