ABSTRACT
A mask is good for protection in baseball. The problem is, sometimes we forget to take off our masks when we leave the field. When a baseball game is over, the catcher puts away his mask until the next game. In real life, many of us leave our masks on long after we need them. Interestingly, only recently have the needs of men been addressed in literature that speaks of spirituality. Most of this literature, however, has little connection to historic Christian spirituality. Christian traditions stand among other religious traditions trying to serve humanity in response to a loving compassionate God. Jewish and Christian spiritual tradition contains powerful, challenging, and healing assets for men as they face the dangers, stresses and rapidity of modern life. In a nation where people want immediate answers, definable results, and ironclad guarantees, Christian spiritual growth is almost foreign.
