TESTIMONIALS
“Fr. Bala’s book speaks of one of the most challenging undertakings of our life, yet one that is essential for our own wellbeing – the journey towards self-mastery. The author coaches us, in very practical ways, to see within ourselves, to confront the obstacles that hold us back, and to embrace God’s grace to conquer the inclinations of our human weaknesses. Throughout, we are encouraged to remain positive and to trust in Christ, with whom everything is possible. In this book, Fr Bala shares his own journey and brings to life many verses in Scripture that offer us insights and encouragement from the word of God. If you are open to the idea of your own journey towards self-mastery, this is the guide for you.” – Deacon Bob Evans, Popular Christian author and teacher of Scripture, USA
“Benjamin Bala’s moving and inspiring piece speaks of ‘self-mastery’ as ‘self-conquest.’ The moral values he encapsulates in his book match the realities of human life. Human beings, by creation and by grace, have been provided with the means to subdue and control creation (cf. Gen. 1: 28-30) beginning with oneself. Thus, the piece is an invaluable guide for all who would wish to embark on the courageous journey to self-mastery.” – Sr. Mary Jane Aririguzo, IHM, Canon Law Lecturer, Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
“This book of 40 chapters is symbolic. In the Bible, the number 40 is associated with significant landmarks – two contextually cognate ones being the periods of the journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land and Jesus’ fast. Each ended in something profound. Navigating through this book is another journey to something profound – a voyage of self-mastery. I have read this book by my mentor, and it has been a strong pillar for me, especially here at Harvard, where it has helped me navigate many otherwise tough moral hills with ease. I recommend it to all who seek life’s most important victory – self-conquest. It is a keepsake!” – Zakka Junior Emmanuel, Student of Religion, Ethics, and Politics, Harvard Divinity School, Massachusetts, USA
“I read through this masterpiece by Fr. Bala at a time when numerous struggles and life challenges plagued me; a time when my choicest reactions to life challenges pulled me down emotionally, and I was left wondering how some people manage life, unperturbed by these similar challenges. With the insights provided herein, I saw the need and practical means of self-improvement, taking back control of myself, and making the best version of myself. In this well-written, practical, and scripturally based book on what self-mastery is and how to begin, progress, and sustain the struggle, I learned a lot, and it has become a handy tool as I continue my journey of self-improvement. I recommend this book to everyone from all spheres of life and all ages. I trust and believe in the efficiency of the help it offers.” – Engr. Rosemary Itoro John, Port Harcourt Refinery, Nigeria
“Fr. Benjamin Bala takes on the bold subject of ‘self-mastery’. The book challenges us to tap into our God-given capacity to subdue our weaknesses, tame our excesses, and subject ourselves to the disciplines that guide us toward perfection. He elaborates on the realisation of our need for self-mastery, our capacity to strive for it, and the understanding that God’s abundant Grace is available to those determined to struggle. He takes on the subject matter in an easy-to-understand and non-judgmental manner, placing precept upon precept while keeping his audience engrossed in the subject until a firm desire is knotted to put into practice the ideas elaborated in this beautiful piece. If you desire to explore your full potential as designed by God, this book is definitely a sure guide.” – Dr Swandy Banta, Public Servant, Emotional Intelligence Scholar, and Humanitarian Worker, Jos, Nigeria
“The author, Fr. Benjamin Bala, is a Moral Theologian per excellence. In a simple, clear, and lucid manner, he presents one of the most difficult tasks of human enterprise: The Journey Towards Self-Mastery. The book in your hands is written conversationally and engagingly, inviting readers to participate in their own journey of growth actively. The path to self-mastery, he says, is a process in which we gradually release the mind from all limited ideas, beliefs, paradigms, and assumptions that arise from the material world. He has his own personal stories to show how to achieve this. His use of the Bible and Church teachings proves just how knowledgeable Fr. Benjamin is in his chosen field. This book offers a distinctive framework for addressing this important aspect of human life. It is a must-read.” – Fr. Williams Abba, Former Dean of Academics, St Albert Institute, Fadan Kagoma, Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Nigeria
“In this excellent book by the erudite Fr. Benjamin Yakubu Bala, the reader is set to encounter an intellectual masterpiece laced with philosophy anchored in biblical perspectives. Anyone who has ever been in doubt on how to tread the dialectics of self-mastery shall find in Journeying Towards Self-Mastery all the necessary ingredients needed in developing the ideal man. I recommend this book to those committed to crawling out of their uninspiring past and mastering themselves in a world enmeshed in confusion and the pressures of daily living.” – MUSA, Simon Reef, Journalist, Columnist, LEADERSHIP Newspapers, Nigeria
Paul List, co-author of Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed. Drawing on years of study in philosophy, theology, mythology, and Tolkien’s legendarium, Paul has developed a bold and deeply original interpretation of Tolkien’s work—one that connects The Lord of the Rings to questions of metaphysics, technology, artificial intelligence, and the spiritual crisis of modern civilization. His work challenges readers to reconsider Tolkien not only as a master storyteller, but also as a prophetic thinker speaking directly to our own age.
Ali Ghaffari is a former Naval Aviator and instructor at the United States Naval Academy, who brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the study of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology, drawing from philosophy, theology, science, and cultural analysis. His collaboration with Paul List emerged from years of intellectual and spiritual exploration centered on Thomistic philosophy, artificial intelligence, and the spiritual crisis of modern civilization.
Born in 1938 in Braintree, Massachusetts, John A. “Jack” Sullivan was the son of Dorothy and Arthur Sullivan. He attended public schools, graduating from Braintree High School in 1957, and continued his education at Stonehill College, majoring in government history and philosophy. He pursued graduate studies at Georgetown University in Foreign Service before earning his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1967.
Fr. Benjamin Yakubu Bala is a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Kafanchan in Kaduna State, Nigeria. He has a PhD in Moral Theology and teaches at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt. His main focus is defending human life, promoting family values, and addressing moral issues in society. He has written several articles in both local and international journals.