For centuries, priests and initiates have claimed to be able to communicate with the world beyond death. The following two books explore this mysterious dimension.

The Messenger is the memoir of how an ordinary man from Brooklyn, New York, came to terms with his psychic gifts. Rev. Edward Tabbitas's ability to detect the presence of those who have died emerged after the death of his beloved grandmother, when he was only seven years old. His gifts grew stronger as he matured, bringing him to accept the ever-present love that connects us all, no matter which side of the great divide we're on.

Although there's been a considerable amount of research conducted in the last twenty-five years on near-death experiences, comparatively little has been written on those that did not provide moments of peace or joyful revelation, but instead were terrifying or painful. The Uttermost Deep is a wide-ranging survey and analysis of background material and case studies of those who have experienced painful near-death experiences. Religion scholar Gracia Fay Ellwood studies some of the constant themes that run through both good and bad near-death experiences, reveals their roots in their respective religious traditions, and attempts to shed light on their meaning through neurological, pharmacological, and psychological lenses.