Although there has 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. Written for anyone interested in spirituality and mysticism THE UTTERMOST DEEP will also be of interest to parapsychologists researchers on death and dying psychologists and clergy encountering such issues in pastoral work.