Article exploring expressions of surprise and puzzlement that lend a ring of authenticity to self-reports of near-death experiences (NDEs). Surprise typically indicates the discovery of novel features of reality during the cognition-reality interplay that makes learning possible. If at least some NDE surprises are discoveries in a nonsubjective sense, then that cognition-reality interplay can continue during moments near death as subject learn that self and reality must be understood to include a nonmaterial realm.

Article responding to Michael Sabom's commentary, suggesting that the near-death experience's (NDE's) ontological and spiritual significance extends to religious issues and raises questions relevant to whether near-death experiencers and Jesus have spirituality in common.

Article relating near-death phenomena to John Shelby Spong's argument for a more "authentic" view of Jesus, a more spiritual understanding of humanity, and a new, evolving Christianity. Near-death research and Spong's envisioned new Christianty share in principle the ideal of progress through challenge and open dialogue.