David Neff

Columnist, Contributor

David Neff was editor in chief of Christianity Today, where he worked from 1985 until his retirement in 2013. He is also the former editor in chief of Christian History magazine, and continues to explore the intersection of history and current events in his bimonthly column, “Past Imperfect.” His earlier column, “Editor’s Bookshelf,” ran from 2002 to 2004 and paired Neff’s reviews of thought-provoking books and interviews with the authors.

Billy Graham’s Altar Calls Were More Than Moments of Decision

For the late evangelist, the time after the sermon was about getting people into church.

Graham and the Jews: A Complex Connection

The Nixon tapes revealed a shocking quote, but there was much more to his relationship with Judaism.

The Justice-Forward Salvation Army

Combined with evangelism, it’s a heady combination.

Hudson Taylor and the Power of Gentleness

How the missionary to China responded when his charges were murdered.

Preacher with a Paintbrush

The first acclaimed black artist shared the gospel without saying a word.

The Religious Roots of Protest

How justice movements have co-opted the church’s music.

The Man Who Humanized War

He still shapes our wartime ideals 150 years later.

What a Christian Ethic Looks Like Outside

Beauty for the many: Why I side with conservationists over nature mystics.

Review

The Right Way to Think About Giving to the Poor

Theologian Gary Anderson shows how acts of charity embody faith in the goodness of God and his creation.

No Such Thing as ‘Other People’s Problems’

How the church can help develop a ‘we’ culture for the next generation.