Richard Hays (1948–2025) was an American scholar of the New Testament and an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. Born in Oklahoma City, he initially rejected Christianity due to perceived hypocrisy but later returned to the faith during his college years at Yale. After earning degrees from Yale Divinity School and Emory University, Hays began an academic career, teaching at Yale Divinity School before moving to Duke Divinity School. He became a distinguished professor and later served as dean of Duke Divinity School. His scholarship focused on New Testament theology, ethics, Pauline epistles, and the interpretation of scripture, particularly how the New Testament engages with the Old Testament. Hays was recognized as a leading figure in his field, known for his critical engagement with historical Jesus movements and popular works like Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code." He passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, in January 2025.

Richard Hays established himself as a leading New Testament scholar, recognized for his insightful exposition of biblical texts. His academic pursuits centered on New Testament theology and ethics, the letters of Paul, and the early Christian engagement with the Old Testament. He explored various approaches to biblical interpretation, including narrative readings and the concept of "faith(fulness) of Christ." Hays was also noted for his critical stance on the Jesus Seminar and the modern Historical Jesus movement, as well as his critique of the historical claims made in Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code."

A theologically conservative Methodist, Hays remained committed to his Wesleyan heritage, emphasizing the significance of charity and friendship within the Christian life. He was a vocal pacifist, arguing in "The Moral Vision of the New Testament" that Jesus advocated for non-violence. His work also addressed contemporary issues, such as the inclusion of LGBTQ individuals in the church, as explored in his co-authored book "The Widening of God's Mercy." His scholarship often highlighted the interconnectedness of Scripture and its application to community and ethical living.

Hays authored numerous influential works, including "Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul" and "The Moral Vision of the New Testament," the latter being recognized as a significant religious book of the 20th century. He also co-edited "The Art of Reading Scripture" and "Seeking the Identity of Jesus: A Pilgrimage" with his wife, Beverly Roberts Gaventa. In honor of his sixtieth birthday, a Festschrift titled "The Word Leaps the Gap: Essays on Scripture and Theology in Honor of Richard B. Hays" was published, featuring contributions from esteemed scholars in the field.