Since my website launched recently, I’ve had several people ask me about my views on the Enneagram. The interest in this method and process of understanding human tendencies in the framework of nine distinct but not often easily recognizable types has been around for centuries. But as often happens, old practices somehow make a comeback and warrant a fresh look at both their merits and potential dangers. This is especially true when it comes to our spiritual walk in a day when there seems to be so much confusion and controversy.
I first encountered the concept of the Enneagram a number of years ago through the National Christian Recovery Association, and Northstar Church in Richmond, Virginia when I attended a conference there. Ever an inquisitive learner, I did a brief search online and was overwhelmed by the massive amount of information I found. At first glance, I just saw it as another personality assessment and was a little put off by the symbol of the nine types and their connecting arrows. A little more probing taught me that there seemed to be equal support of its use in an evangelical context as well as from those who were more non-Christian spiritualists. I decided to just leave it alone at that time since I had more than I could handle on my plate in my ministry.
The subject came up again with my own Spiritual Director, when I was talking to her about what I know of myself as an INFJ, according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. She simply suggested at the end of our session that I might find some value in looking at the Enneagram.
Later, a dear friend whom I consider to be a truly mature follower of Christ, mentioned how helpful it had been for her to discover her Enneagram type and to understand some of the ways that she has learned to be alerted to when she is walking a little off the path of the Holy Spirit and into her flesh. I inquired more and “put a pin in it,” deciding to do a little more research when I had the time.
And then, in my training as a Spiritual Director through Sustainable Faith, we were required to read some books on the topic. We watched videos and discussed it in-depth in class.
For me, the process of determining my “number” was a bit humbling, but I recognized myself as a One with a Nine wing. I learned that there are some signs along the way that can show me when I am a Spirit-led led One versus my fleshly, unhealthy One. And I saw the value of using this tool (along with several others) in my daily walk and conversation with God.
To sum up my thoughts on using the Enneagram…
Nothing can ever take the place of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit in providing guidance for my life.
However, God is big enough and creative enough to use a number of other resources to aid me in my spiritual formation process.
The more clearly I know and see myself, the more clearly and deeply I sense my need for God. John Calvin taught that in order to know God, I must know myself. The Enneagram is a tool that helps me see myself more clearly so that I know where I need to invite God in for the changes I desire to see in myself.
Understanding the Enneagram helps me understand and have compassion for others. I lose more of my judgmental ideas when I see my own struggles and learn more about the struggles of those around me.
All this being said, I do believe that the Enneagram is best approached by believers who are maturing in their walk, and in community with at least one other mature believer who can safely help in the discernment process. It should never be the primary source of our spiritual pursuit and should be used with caution.
So, I invite you to do your own research and decide for yourself. There are definitely some pagan uses of the Enneagram, in much the same way that we have heard controversy over the celebration of Christmas and Easter. Consider this: if you have ever been moved spiritually by the words of a secular song or a scene from a popular movie, it is much the same. We don’t follow the musician or embrace the entire worldview of Hollywood or even the actors involved, but God often does use such sources in our spiritual lives. He can and does use whatever he chooses to aid us in our pursuit of him.
I invite you to do your own research and prayerfully seek God in determining if the Enneagram could be helpful for you in your current spiritual formation practices. Below are links to two resources.
https://relevantmagazine.com/god/enneagram-makes-sanctification-specific/
https://www.soulshepherding.org/seven-benefits-enneagram-most-people-miss/
What are your thoughts or experience with the Ennegram or some other non-traditional way that you have felt drawn to God? I welcome your comments below.