Some thoughts from writer:
There has been a long-held desire, fulfilled in these pages, to write in defence of One who I have come to regard as possibly the most maligned, misunderstood, misrepresented and marginalised person in this world – sometimes, seemingly, even by his own most ardent adherents. It has proved to be an ambitious undertaking. One reason is because his own gracious responses arise from his attitude of love, compassion and patience, towards even those who seek to contribute to his unpopularity.
Despite aspersions cast about his nature and character, he does not retaliate or seek revenge - or become petulant and vindictive. Rather, he continues to reach out to all with open arms, but his patience, unfortunately, contributes to arguments that the evidence for him is insufficient and that he could reveal himself in more convincing ways if he truly wanted people to believe in him. However, as I began my own journey in learning to consider such issues from his perspective rather than my own, it became apparent if he is indeed who he says he is, then for him to reveal himself more directly would have the undesirable consequence of negating the response of faith that is needed from us to be in authentic relationship with him.
By considering his deity and who he is in comparison to us, it seems appropriate that we should be paying attention to what he is wanting to say to us. If what is here presented helps any person in coming to a greater understanding and experience of the reality of God, as well as his love, closeness and the goodwill he has towards us, it will be considered to have been a task worthwhile.