The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective

I have been studying the enneagram for more than twenty years and have accumulated quite a number of books on the subject. Having said that, I now state that this book (for me, at least) has been the most helpful. Through the years, I have taken several tests and have been evaluated by an "expert". Results that seemed to fit - at the time - for other positions, were confusing because they did not resemble each other and did not continue to "fit" me after awhile. Although many sources instruct that the Nine will see herself in (nearly) all the positions, I was hesitant to accept this wisdom because the descriptions of Nine did not "fit like a glove". I read this book, literally without interruption, in two days. I am now firmly convinced that I belong in the Nine position on the enneagram. I do not know if clarity came from the language or style that was used; perhaps I am (finally!?) willing to consider thoughts about my approach to life and experiences from a clearly different approach. The authors do not provide a test to determine one's position on the enneagram. Instead, "we recommend that readers take another approach first: it makes sense to begin by reading through all nine descriptions. To some, it will be immediately clear where they are "at home". Others will need a little time. A good criterion is the following: if, in reading the description of a type, I get uneasy or am even humiliated, it could be that I am on home ground." I found myself "uncomfortable" in many of the descriptions, but it was when I read the Nine description that I came to the humiliated part. I could resonate to the authors' earlier comment in the preface: "It seems that human beings cannot see what they are not readied to see. We cannot hear what we have not been prepared to hear. The 'obvious' seems to have little correlation with our acceptance of it". I am guilty as described; guilty, but encouraged. Now, I not only know my faults, strengths, and sins (there's that troubling word!), the authors provide insights and suggestions (based on Scripture and from their pastoral experience of many years) to change behaviours and thoughts to grow to personal maturity and development. The authors are very plain-spoken about the difficulties one may expect on this path: "After many years in pastoral care-giving, we are both convinced that there is nothing on which people are so fixated on as on their self-image. We are literally prepared to go through hell just so we don't have to give it up. It determines most of what we do or don't do, say or don't say, what we occupy ourselves with and what we don't. We're all affected by it". Each enneagram point experiences different challanges to this surrender. The discussions of the "instincts", "wings", and "arrows" are the clearest explanations of this vocabulary I have encountered and are a great aid in helping to distinguish one's enneagram point. If one approaches this book with humility and a true desire to know in order to grow, the tools of positive transformation are in their hands. I appreciate the fact that the authors use Scripture and illustrations from the life and ministry of Jesus without preaching from the proverbial soap-box. Their tactic is very much like a trusted physician who tells you what you need to know to become healthy or what changes need to be made to regain your health. Sometimes, it calls for a tweak in a lifestyle; sometimes, major surgery is required. "Whatever it takes" is the most beneficial attitude to the work suggested in this book.

Human Types: Essence and Enneagram by Suzan Zannos is the best book on the Enneagram according to esoteric Christian Gurjieff circles. Her book and this book don't really match up. For example, Rohrs types are all pure types. In the Zannos book, most people are combination types, combos of two or three "body types. " Also Rohrs types are in a different order. Their strength/blind spot should align with the next type on the Enneagram. The Lunar is a 2 and is followed by the Venusian 3 (Rohrs 5 and 9) thats because constricted withdrawal and open acceptance should be consecutive in order to lead to balance ((for the 5). They are complementary. Most people are a combinations of two or three types. This adpect is missing in Rohr. Zannos identified four cognitive styles, and 4 heart types as well as 3 variations of quality of refinement. Her book includes photos of body types because personality traits and body traits match up. For expample the Venusian (Rohrs 9) looks like a big overstuffed chair - they really do! Rohr's descriptions add even more types Ive never heard of. Some seemed like slightly different versions of some Zannos types. Rohrs 5 and the 8 (Lunar and Marshall) were the most similar to Zannos) Rorhs book is missing sometypes (Mercurial) , but there are types Rohr identifies that are missing in Zannos. He explains some from a different angle. I appreciate the "sin" approach, from what I understand this lens is the original lens. But remember, we didn't give ourselves our programming. Why all the tears? Strive and learn. In buddhism, the determination not to repeat mistakes is called repentance. Shaming the ego creates self-loathing and anger - its better to use your mind and your will. Throwing stones at rattlesnakes wont achieve anything. Zannos book has no shaming and it is as if not more effective is motivating change. I would like to add too that when you really get into Buddhism (perhaps Zen Buddhism differs in this way) the Bohisattva is really the goal. No different from Christianity. -World Religions and Spirituality Book Group on Facebook

I was first introduced to Richard Rohr a few years ago. Since that time I have purchased a number of his books, I receive his daily emails, and have taken an online course from the Center for Action and Contemplation that he directs. All of these have been wonderful in assisting me on my spiritual journey--some even introduced me to the Enneagram. A few years have passed since I first learned about the Enneagram, but a recent podcast by Crystal Paine reminded me of the topic and led me to look for materials to help me learn more on the subject. This book was my first purchase on the topic. I believe that it is truly one of the best purchases that I have ever made! The authors explained everything in detail, provided examples and diagrams. Although reading this book was an extremely humbling experience, I am encouraged that I can move forward and grow in many areas of my life. I especially love the Christian perspective of the book. Being given examples of people from the Bible who represent the 9 types along with scriptures was wonderful. I am not sure that I can adequately describe how extremely happy I am that I ordered this book! It is going to be a well-worn book since I am going to be rereading it and referring back to it regularly.

Having heard about this book at a religious retreat, I was eager to see what the Enneagram is all about. I was not disappointed with the thoroughness of Rohr's work in presenting the Enneagram in an instructional and insightful way, and am sure that I am benefitting personally from what I learned about the types. My only misgiving is that there are several locations in the book where Rohr makes pretty strong references to Western culture's exploitation of the Third World, and seems to advocate mass redistribution of wealth to correct this injustice. These are brief assertions, and don't dominate the book in any way. However, obviously, the world is far more complicated than a simple answer like this to social economic differences. I found this position particularly striking in light of the fact that he himself states that Third World people tend to be type NINEs, which he says is common for those not yet affected by civilization. He even suggests that such people may be happier than us. I would still recommend this book, but keep in mind that Rohr has a perspective unique to his history, just as we all do. So don't accept his opinions regarding social justice at face value. It's okay to have your own view.

Enneagram means "nine" and it demonstrates nine basic personality types. It helps know oneself and how to recognize and relate to others. It has given me excellent insight into what are spiritual problems for me and what are personality difficulties. Rohr's humor and enthusiasm make this a self-exploration that is fun and fruitful. The MMPI is of course more detailed and insightful, but this is ancient, quite historical, and applies very much to our basic types.

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I'm an Enneagram Type 5w4. Why does that matter? Because it means I am an Investigator that pursues the truth (i.e. I read A LOT of books). I knew I always had a love of reading and learning but never knew I was a "type of person" until I heard about the Enneagram types - so I went down the rabbit hole and (took the red pill) and dove into studying it. But enough about me...What does that mean for you? Of the several books I have read on the Enneagram this was the most well explained, detailed and complete explanation about it. I like to highlight important sections of the book and when it came to an explanation of my particular type it was so astoundingly accurate I had to stop highlighting halfway through the chapter because I was highlighting "everything!" I mean ever line was true to life about the type of person I was (I'm 63 BTW) so this is not some 20 year old's perspective. I hope it defines your type just as accurately as mine and gives you the answers about how to make the best of who you are as it did me.

I first encountered Enneagram literature in the early '90s, and became engrossed, but soon felt bogged down in belly-gazing and type-analyzing, and somewhat depressed by the way the types seemed locked into their weaknesses, according to the sources I was reading at the time. Rohr and Ebert's book, on the other hand, was a breath of fresh air. The "Christian perspective" in this book is a perspective of redemption and transformation. Knowledge of one's type becomes a key toward growth and transformation, rather than a stimulus for belly-gazing. Also, the book's treatment of "wings" and different "centers" (gut, head, heart), as well as its discussion of factors that lead to type-confusion (a person of one type taking on the characteristics of another at a certain point in his/her life), helps account for the unique variations and complexities found in individual personalities. I also found it better than some of the other sources I'd read at pinpointing the essential issues of the types, and after having mis-typed myself for years, I finally made the correct identification. A suggestion to any newcomer to the Enneagram: Explore different discussions to gain a nuanced understanding of it (as well as to avoid the pitfall of narrowing people into rigid categories). One of the beauties of the Enneagram is its complexity. Although the insights in this book were the most constructive to me, other helpful sources have been: audio recordings of Enneagram workshops led by Rohr; The Enneagram Made Easy by Baron and Wagele (a fun quick-reference, and there's a brief but interesting cross-reference with the Myers Briggs Type Indicator); and the Enneagram Institute website.

This book is great for learning to understand yourself and others better. it also helps you know how to deal with people who fall into one of the nine categories of the Enneagram. If you're not humiliated by discovering yourself in its pages, you're a healthy person who has been there and done that. If you are humiliated, it will encourage you to keep on getting better. The Christian perspective is good to have but I don't think he needs to be so keen on using only Catholic saints and popular figures in the church as examples of each category. Public figures known to many people would do as well, if not better, as some are in the unredeemed state. I relate better to the unredeemed but it's good to have more Godly figures too. I discovered myself and others I know personally in the pages of this book; I owe some an apology and an ear trained to listen.

Like all that Richard Rohr writes this book is first class, stimulating, incisive, enlightening. I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about really living life to the full and wrestling with the deep mysteries of human nature, the world and God.

I won't say what Ennegram number I am because it is actually irrelevant to the reason for my review. My reason has to do with the tone of voice from this author. While there are a reasonable amount of catchy phrases etc, I could not get past the underlying judgmental tone. I've read a number of books on the Enneagram now and they all have a tone that gently connects the reader to realizations with an added voice of inspiration where improvement might be needed. Instead, I found a cynical troubled spirit here in this book though. I can only hope that by writing all this, he has been able to dilute it from his soul. The past hurts by other people create the dross that allows us to access the freedom and the quality of our next stage. But WE need to let them go and do this. I truly hope the Author has found the peace that holds him in the only internal hug that will gently, and fully satisfy.

Chiaro, scorrevole e di facile lettura. Adatto a tutti coloro che hanno già una buona conoscenza dell'Enneagramma e che desiderano approfondire la componente spirituale (e non solo..)

An excellent book - full of insights and with clear explanation of the Enneagram system and of its background history. This is a book that can bring enlightenment about personality to oneself and to one's understanding of others.