John Dart was an American religion journalist and editor, known for his long career at the Los Angeles Times and later as news editor of The Christian Century. He wrote extensively on New Testament research and religion reporting, earning numerous awards, including recognition from the American Academy of Religion. Dart authored and coauthored several influential books such as The Laughing Savior and Decoding Mark. He also contributed to advancing religion journalism through research and teaching, and was widely respected for his insightful, in-depth coverage of complex religious topics.