Hey Nole,
Ray sometimes talks about his history in some of his audios. I believe it was Dennis' idea to start the website and he funded it for quite some time. Since then it seems they operate on faith based on the "cheerful giving" of bibletruth supporters. Ray may seem to you to come across as harsh at times, but it's not like he hasn't paid his dues in the suffering department. He lost his son at 7 years old from a mosquito bite! How tragically bizarre is that?!
The word of truth is a double edged sword. In this carnal state, the truth hurts. I don't mind Ray's tactics. He has his own unique personality and humor that not everyone is going to get, but I appreciate his honesty. Personally, I have experienced some who teach with prettier and more comfortable words, and that drew me in at first, until I found out how empty the teachings were.
With Ray, I was relieved at his openess and willingness to be upfront about the garbage being taught out there. It seems to me he has come through enough in his lifetime, that he just doesn't waste time anymore in coming to the point. There are hundreds of people who have been blessed by his ministry, despite his approach. From what I remember him saying, the website is somewhere in the top percent of websites visited. Can't remember the exact statistic.
I don't think he is "happy to speak badly of people", nor does he have any reason to be "defensive". It seems to me that in many of the 'attacking' emails that Ray gets, the people are not interested in the truth, and perhaps by Ray's approach they may get rattled out of their "self-righteousness". So, some find his approach refreshing and eye-opening, and others find it abrasive and harsh. But regardless of our personal opinions, what of the truths he is teaching? Isn't that more important?
Besides a few on the forum who know him personally and can testify to his character, most of us don't know the man other than his writings/audios. This is the world of the internet.
I got caught up a few years back in something called the "Pauline conspiracy". There are Christians out there who claim that Paul is a false prophet based on his writings, and they write some pretty intricate scripture filled arguments. It had my head spinning for a time, and I had trouble reading Paul's writings for a time and could only see his "harshness" and inconsistencies. I got past it, and now his writings are a source of comfort and truth. (Ray actually helped a lot in that area).
So my point is, that at the end of the day, we can only trust God to show us the truth in anyone's writings. If you've come to a place where you believe Ray writes about the truths as God has shown him, than his personality is secondary. Don't let his mannerisms distract you from the treasures he can show you.
Peace,
Diana