This section examines the near-death experience, or NDE, as an extraordinary phenomenon, one which raises profound spiritual questions. Medical definitions are provided and scientific explanations are considered. Some common elements of NDEs include out-of-body experiences, encounters with a brilliant loving light, meeting deceased relatives and friends, and life reviews. Most NDEs are joyous, but there are also emotionally distressing NDEs. Later sections will cite the general content of NDEs as a source of spiritual information.