Page |11 increases the likelihood one will the nature of these two beings. Existing reach such solutions. All of the scientific studies of religion have perspectives discussed in this established the pervasiveness of book have been transformed religious beliefs and practices and an through this process. association between these beliefs or Background practices and physical as well as mental health. Religious beliefs and practices In pursuing the tandem lines of have also contributed to failures to heed inquiry of science and the humanities, life-saving medical advice and to the the Network itself serves as an example horrendous treatment of others. It will of the human capacities and emergent be through the serious investigation of processes that can derive from collective such beliefs and practices, not through social structures and actions. In the their denial, that we may ultimately be chapters to follow, the Network able to identify which aspects of these examines the nature and power of beliefs and practices are beneficial, for unseen forces ranging from human co- what individuals and in what contexts, regulation to physiological effects of and through what specific mechanisms. spiritual beliefs. The exchanges across . Aveatli . Recent research has made it isciplinary perspectives suggest that the ae & a . gay patently clear that William James (1890, dominion of the solitary individual” is . . , , p. 442, 2) underestimated the faculties of insufficient to understand the human : : -_ human infants when he suggested that mind or to optimize human health and : : ; their first sensory experiences were a well being. To understand human nature « . . «35 . blooming, buzzing confusion.” But and the human mind, one may need to ; . . ; : oe, what James’ sentiment did capture is the appreciate human needs and capabilities . ; : : overwhelming complexity and that have not been given due attention. . oe 45 uncertainty that exists in the child’s Homo sapiens are a social en