James Hastings (26 March 1852 – 15 October 1922) was a Scottish United Free Church minister and biblical scholar.

He is best known for producing major reference works, including a 5-volume Dictionary of the Bible and a 13-volume Encyclopædia of Religion and Ethics, and establishing The Expository Times.

After 13 years, he was called to Willison Church in Dundee, but returned to Kincardineshire in 1901, having struggled with his city placement.

[3] In one obituary, his preaching was described as "evangelical in sentiment, thoughtful and expository in style, fluent in delivery, and fervent in application.

[1] After his retirement, Hastings returned to Aberdeen, where he became a member of Beechgrove United Free Church.