What do you think?
Rate this book
The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective
Richard Rohr and Andrea Ebert's runaway best-seller shows both the basic logic of the Enneagram and its harmony with the core truths of Christian thought from the time of the early Church forward.
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
About the author
Richard Rohr
245 books2,072 followersFr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fr. Richard's teaching is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized.
Fr. Richard is author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, Eager to Love, and The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation (with Mike Morrell).
Fr. Richard is academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Living School is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings. Visit cac.org for more information.
Fr. Richard is author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, Eager to Love, and The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation (with Mike Morrell).
Fr. Richard is academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Living School is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings. Visit cac.org for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
Read
September 9, 2009I'm relieved to know that your Enneagram type is supposed to be humiliating because it is.
My favorite quote from this book didn't come from the author but Thomas Merton: "The great tragedy of our age is the fact...that there are so many godless Christians--Christians, that is, whose religion is a matter of pure conformism and expedience. Their 'faith' is little more than a permanent evasion of reality--a compromise with life. In order to avoid admitting the uncomfortable truth that they no longer have any real need for God or any vital faith in Him, they conform to the outward conduct of others like themselves. And these 'believers' cling together, offering one another an apparent justification for lives that are essential the same as the lives of their materialistic neighbors, who horizons are purely those of the world and its transient values."
The Ennegram attempts to help you identify the root of your sin as well as your area of greatest need to grow so that you might be able to live against your nature and be transformed--all within the scope of God's grace, of course.
It was an interesting read--a little dry at times, but I'm a big fan of Richard Rohr.
My favorite quote from this book didn't come from the author but Thomas Merton: "The great tragedy of our age is the fact...that there are so many godless Christians--Christians, that is, whose religion is a matter of pure conformism and expedience. Their 'faith' is little more than a permanent evasion of reality--a compromise with life. In order to avoid admitting the uncomfortable truth that they no longer have any real need for God or any vital faith in Him, they conform to the outward conduct of others like themselves. And these 'believers' cling together, offering one another an apparent justification for lives that are essential the same as the lives of their materialistic neighbors, who horizons are purely those of the world and its transient values."
The Ennegram attempts to help you identify the root of your sin as well as your area of greatest need to grow so that you might be able to live against your nature and be transformed--all within the scope of God's grace, of course.
It was an interesting read--a little dry at times, but I'm a big fan of Richard Rohr.
February 5, 2012
In this book Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert explain the enneagram, an ancient personality test used first by Christian ascetics and monks and later by Muslim sufis. It divides people into nine personality types which can be described by their primary need ("need to be perfect", "need to succeed", etc.), their primary sin ("pride", "anger", etc.), or other features. These nine types are arranged in a continuum around a circle, with lines connecting them indicating various relationships to each other.
The authors give a Christian perspective on the enneagram, meaning that they attempt to show Christians how this can be a very effective tool for personal spiritual growth (which they do very well) and how it is connected to Christian scripture (which they don't do so well).
In the end I found the book incredibly helpful. I read it hoping to gain some new ground in dealing with my own brokenness and kindle new growth as a person, and I was not at all disappointed. Seriously, this has been sooo useful, and even 6 weeks after finishing it I find myself thinking about it frequently. It is worth pointing out that the authors recommend not reading the book or making use of the enneagram until one is at least in their 30s--old enough to have realized that our youthful attempts to do away with our flaws through self-improvement aren't going to work. As they see it (and I think I agree) the enneagram is for people who are ready to acknowledge their complete brokenness and throw themselves on the mercy of God.
This book is not without flaws. Before the nine types are described there are a few different chapters/essays, some of which are a bit dull and not as helpful as others--I definitely skimmed some. Also, people who place a big emphasis on the Bible as the word of God will likely be bothered by how the authors interact with the text in places. Finally, the enneagram itself comes out of an ancient worldview that at times left me feeling a bit skeptical--there is definitely a mystical view of numbers and geometry, and more than once I found myself wondering how seriously I ought to entertain all the concepts. But again, the overall approach more than made up for the eyebrow-raising aspects.
So, despite the flaws this book still gets five stars. It has already been very meaningful and helpful to me and I am sure I will come back to it time and again in the future.
The authors give a Christian perspective on the enneagram, meaning that they attempt to show Christians how this can be a very effective tool for personal spiritual growth (which they do very well) and how it is connected to Christian scripture (which they don't do so well).
In the end I found the book incredibly helpful. I read it hoping to gain some new ground in dealing with my own brokenness and kindle new growth as a person, and I was not at all disappointed. Seriously, this has been sooo useful, and even 6 weeks after finishing it I find myself thinking about it frequently. It is worth pointing out that the authors recommend not reading the book or making use of the enneagram until one is at least in their 30s--old enough to have realized that our youthful attempts to do away with our flaws through self-improvement aren't going to work. As they see it (and I think I agree) the enneagram is for people who are ready to acknowledge their complete brokenness and throw themselves on the mercy of God.
This book is not without flaws. Before the nine types are described there are a few different chapters/essays, some of which are a bit dull and not as helpful as others--I definitely skimmed some. Also, people who place a big emphasis on the Bible as the word of God will likely be bothered by how the authors interact with the text in places. Finally, the enneagram itself comes out of an ancient worldview that at times left me feeling a bit skeptical--there is definitely a mystical view of numbers and geometry, and more than once I found myself wondering how seriously I ought to entertain all the concepts. But again, the overall approach more than made up for the eyebrow-raising aspects.
So, despite the flaws this book still gets five stars. It has already been very meaningful and helpful to me and I am sure I will come back to it time and again in the future.
August 25, 2021
Eine Freundin hat mir dieses Buch nach einem nächtlichen-halbtheologischen Gespräch geliehen und ich habe die Ruhe der Sommerferien genutzt, endlich damit zu beginnen.
Es handelt sich um eine Übersetzung und Zusammenfassung von Andreas Ebert, der sich auf Reden und Veröffentlichungen von Richard Rohr, der sich in eine Reihe von christlichen Denkern und Philosophen ein, die davon ausgehen, dass jeder Mensch (allen voran jeder Christ) eine „Wurzelsünde“ hat, die alle anderen Sünden bedingt und die es zu bewältigen gilt, um ein „erlöster Christ“ zu werden.
In „das Enneagramm“ beleuchtet der Autor die 9 „Wurzelsünden“ und führt die Gaben, Versuchungen und Symbole der 9 Urtypen auf. Vor allem der 2. Der 3 Teile des Buches ist für uns Laien interessant – hier werden diese 9 Typen analysiert. Ich gebe zu, dass es Spaß gemacht hat, mich selbst wiederzuerkennen und vor allem die vielen Menschen, die einem in christlichen Gemeinden begegnen, in das System einzuordnen.
Der erste und dritte Teil des Buches waren zwar auch nicht langweilig, aber mit sehr vielen theologischen Querverweisen versehen, die mir einfach oft nichts gesagt haben, wodurch diese Teile bisweilen etwas trocken waren.
Obwohl mir das Buch insgesamt ganz gut gefallen hat und vor allem der 2. Teil sehr viele Einsichten geboten hat, kann das Buch sein großes Versprechen – das der „Selbsterkenntnis“ nicht wirklich einhalten kann. Zwar konnte ich mich hin und wieder wiedererkennen, aber mich einem der 9 Untertypen zuzuordnen, hat dann doch nicht geklappt. Dafür waren doch immer zu viele Abweichungen dabei. Da das Buch Anspruch auf relative Allgemeingültigkeit erhebt, fand ich das schade.
__________________________________
Interessantes Sachbuch, wenn man aus der christlich-pietistischen Ecke kommt oder sich gerade mit dem Thema „Sünde“ beschäftigt, Atheisten würde ich das Buch nicht weiterempfehlen.
Es handelt sich um eine Übersetzung und Zusammenfassung von Andreas Ebert, der sich auf Reden und Veröffentlichungen von Richard Rohr, der sich in eine Reihe von christlichen Denkern und Philosophen ein, die davon ausgehen, dass jeder Mensch (allen voran jeder Christ) eine „Wurzelsünde“ hat, die alle anderen Sünden bedingt und die es zu bewältigen gilt, um ein „erlöster Christ“ zu werden.
In „das Enneagramm“ beleuchtet der Autor die 9 „Wurzelsünden“ und führt die Gaben, Versuchungen und Symbole der 9 Urtypen auf. Vor allem der 2. Der 3 Teile des Buches ist für uns Laien interessant – hier werden diese 9 Typen analysiert. Ich gebe zu, dass es Spaß gemacht hat, mich selbst wiederzuerkennen und vor allem die vielen Menschen, die einem in christlichen Gemeinden begegnen, in das System einzuordnen.
Der erste und dritte Teil des Buches waren zwar auch nicht langweilig, aber mit sehr vielen theologischen Querverweisen versehen, die mir einfach oft nichts gesagt haben, wodurch diese Teile bisweilen etwas trocken waren.
Obwohl mir das Buch insgesamt ganz gut gefallen hat und vor allem der 2. Teil sehr viele Einsichten geboten hat, kann das Buch sein großes Versprechen – das der „Selbsterkenntnis“ nicht wirklich einhalten kann. Zwar konnte ich mich hin und wieder wiedererkennen, aber mich einem der 9 Untertypen zuzuordnen, hat dann doch nicht geklappt. Dafür waren doch immer zu viele Abweichungen dabei. Da das Buch Anspruch auf relative Allgemeingültigkeit erhebt, fand ich das schade.
__________________________________
Interessantes Sachbuch, wenn man aus der christlich-pietistischen Ecke kommt oder sich gerade mit dem Thema „Sünde“ beschäftigt, Atheisten würde ich das Buch nicht weiterempfehlen.
August 8, 2017
There is some insightful stuff here, and I understand this is a pivotal work for the enneagram. I am hoping some of the works that build on it are stronger, though, because Rohr is theologically unsound in places and comes across as arrogant and presumptuous. The gospel of John misquotes Jesus because Hitler abused the statement? Pilate was a three based on a single action for which we do not know the motive? Come on, now.
February 22, 2018
I feel compelled to believe the connections between the Enneagram and Christian spiritual growth. However, I’d be happy to entertain opposing views. (Type Nine)
May 19, 2017
I started and finished this book in one day plagued with intrigue and deep, vulnerable sadness. The insights are spectacular, deafening, and at times led me to tears of joy and pain which I found beautiful...which I guess is because I'm a 4.
January 22, 2022
Read this book For Heretical Research Only! Rohr is simply not a Christian. He does not believe in the necessity of the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ, does not believe in Hell, does not believe that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven, and places Buddhism, Sufism, Hinduism, and Gnosticism on a par with Christianity. The Enneagram is simply a non-Christian tool to discover various personality traits. Much like the broken clock and mind reader, it will eventually be correct. As a personality tool, it may be useful to see how one views the world but the danger is that Rohr pretends there is not only a Christian aspect to it but a salvific aspect. He sees salvation as perfecting our broken personalities and becoming introspective, fixing our faults on our own, and discerning spirits - whatever that may mean to Rohr. He sums up Jesus Christ's message (Rohr simply calls Him Jesus throughout the book) in one sentence: "God wants people to rejoice and find true happiness." While that is a sweet sentiment for children, it is so off the mark for Biblical Christianity that it is heretical. The Lord Jesus teaches us to repent and believe the Gospel. Nowhere in this book will you find the Gospel. This book is not about the Gospel or Christianity. It is about feeling good, being good (at least Rohr's idea if goodness), and being a good Catholic focused on feelings and works. It is NOT a book to share with ANYONE you love. Avoid it, pass it by, and discourage your loved one from engaging in this dangerous Enneagram nonsense. If they truly want to know about their personality, has them read the Bible to see how they compare with Christ's ideals.
March 23, 2021
Cleverly disguised New Age teaching that is infiltrating the Church. He claims we are all divine like Jesus, we have no enemy other than ourselves, the Holy Spirit is just your conscious, and that we simply have to "transcend" our sins.
November 29, 2017
I read this book because a group of my friends were into the enneagram and I wanted to know what all the fuss was. After reading this book, I have come to believe that not only does Rohr fail to connect the enneagram to authentic Christian spirituality, but the enneagram itself is an unfit way of understanding the human person and what we have come to call "personality." The enneagram, like Myers-Briggs, is too individualistic and deterministic. I think there are better ways of understanding people than assigning them a type.
November 22, 2018
Just read it
March 12, 2024
If you are a committed atheist, this book will probably have far too much religious content for your comfort or liking. If, however, you believe in some form of spirituality - it doesn’t have to be Catholicism or even Christianity - and are at a point in your emotional development that includes a deep desire for understanding (of yourself, and of the meaning of your existence), then I would highly recommend this book.
I had studied the Enneagram before reading this book, so I had a working knowledge of the 9 different “personality types,” but this is a study about integration that goes beyond the usual applications for “success” or even improved relationships. Again, the emphasis of the authors’ teaching of the Enneagram is on spiritual development.
The central idea is that our “sin” is also our “gift,” and that each type has a particular set of gifts, sins, “fruits of the spirit,” tendencies towards self-preservation, temptations, defence mechanisms, etc. In an immature state, each personality suffers from disintegration and even self-destruction, but we can evolve towards maturity and integration. I found it very insightful. Also fascinating.
Not only is it useful in terms of self-evaluation, but one will inevitably start identifying certain types with family and friends. I found that aspect to be useful, too. This is far from superficial “self-help” stuff; be prepared to be humiliated, chastened and enlightened.
I had studied the Enneagram before reading this book, so I had a working knowledge of the 9 different “personality types,” but this is a study about integration that goes beyond the usual applications for “success” or even improved relationships. Again, the emphasis of the authors’ teaching of the Enneagram is on spiritual development.
The central idea is that our “sin” is also our “gift,” and that each type has a particular set of gifts, sins, “fruits of the spirit,” tendencies towards self-preservation, temptations, defence mechanisms, etc. In an immature state, each personality suffers from disintegration and even self-destruction, but we can evolve towards maturity and integration. I found it very insightful. Also fascinating.
Not only is it useful in terms of self-evaluation, but one will inevitably start identifying certain types with family and friends. I found that aspect to be useful, too. This is far from superficial “self-help” stuff; be prepared to be humiliated, chastened and enlightened.
August 27, 2023
Fand Rohrs Ausführungen aus Teil 2 wirklich schick. An manchen Stellen vielleicht etwas trocken oder langatmig, aber habe in fast jedem Enneagram-Typ Personen aus meinem Umkreis wiedergefunden. War teilweise sehr augenöffnend. Besonders auch seine konfessionellen Zuordnungen, die natürlich nicht auf alle zutreffen - Charis als „happy clappy“ Sieben, Protestanten als „profillose offene Neun, … - haben mich zum Nachdenken gebracht.
M.E kann man sich eig fast vollständig Teil 1 (Ursprünge des Enneagrams und weiteres) und Teil 3 (Weiterführungen der Typen) schenken. Wenn die weggelassen werden, würde das Buch an Qualität gewinnen. Es wäre dann nicht langatmig.
M.E kann man sich eig fast vollständig Teil 1 (Ursprünge des Enneagrams und weiteres) und Teil 3 (Weiterführungen der Typen) schenken. Wenn die weggelassen werden, würde das Buch an Qualität gewinnen. Es wäre dann nicht langatmig.
December 5, 2014
Over dinner one night my friend said, "I'm an Enneagram Type Six, what are you?" From online Enneagram test results, I knew I was a Type One. She went on to talk about the freedom and healing she'd found in knowing her type and what she needed to work on to become a mature and balanced Type Six. That information I didn't find online, but in this book by Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert.
Unlike the familiar Myers-Briggs personality grid, the Enneagram is a cryptic, almost mystical, circle with nine numbered points along the circumference and lines connecting some numbers to others. Each individual strongly identifies with one Type, but there are many variations within a type. Each type also has wings, subtypes, a besetting sin, and directional arrows toward other types that lead to growth or regression.
Rohr eases the reader into the Enneagram's descriptions for each Type and reserves the additional complexities for the latter chapters. He begins by focusing on the besetting, often unacknowledged, sin for each type that keeps us from growing and finding the true self God created us to be. Type Ones struggle with Anger, Twos with Pride, Fives with Avarice, Sevens with Envy, etc. Rohr describes the offsetting fruit of the spirit for each sin, the defense mechanisms that hinder maturity, and the emotional pitfalls for all nine types. The authors share personal experiences, and examples from Scripture and church history that put flesh on each type's description.
Rather than a "this is what I am" kind-of awareness, the Enneagram leads to movement and transformation. Rather than feeling constrained by a four-letter mold, the challenge to readers is to broaden themselves, see their compulsions and habits redeemed, and encounter God (256-257).
Feeling stuck, trapped in ruts you've failed to get out of? Unsure of the path to greater maturity? Rohr and Ebert's book may be the kick in the seat of the pants and the guidebook you need.
Unlike the familiar Myers-Briggs personality grid, the Enneagram is a cryptic, almost mystical, circle with nine numbered points along the circumference and lines connecting some numbers to others. Each individual strongly identifies with one Type, but there are many variations within a type. Each type also has wings, subtypes, a besetting sin, and directional arrows toward other types that lead to growth or regression.
Rohr eases the reader into the Enneagram's descriptions for each Type and reserves the additional complexities for the latter chapters. He begins by focusing on the besetting, often unacknowledged, sin for each type that keeps us from growing and finding the true self God created us to be. Type Ones struggle with Anger, Twos with Pride, Fives with Avarice, Sevens with Envy, etc. Rohr describes the offsetting fruit of the spirit for each sin, the defense mechanisms that hinder maturity, and the emotional pitfalls for all nine types. The authors share personal experiences, and examples from Scripture and church history that put flesh on each type's description.
Rather than a "this is what I am" kind-of awareness, the Enneagram leads to movement and transformation. Rather than feeling constrained by a four-letter mold, the challenge to readers is to broaden themselves, see their compulsions and habits redeemed, and encounter God (256-257).
Feeling stuck, trapped in ruts you've failed to get out of? Unsure of the path to greater maturity? Rohr and Ebert's book may be the kick in the seat of the pants and the guidebook you need.
February 16, 2017
I've become borderline obsessed with the Enneagram; it is an amazing tool for self-evaluation and self-growth. This book intrigued me because it gave a "Christian perspective" on what appeared to be simply a sort of personality profile. Also, I've wanted to read Richard Rohr for a long time.
Well, if you only read one book on the Enneagram, read this one! Rohr dives into the history of the Enneagram, finding roots in the desert fathers (Cassian and Evagarius) and the seven deadly sins. In essence, you take the seven deadly sins and add two more and you get the nine points of the Enneagram. Identify the sin that most pulls you and you find which point you are.
As I read their description of a 9 (easy-going peacemaker) I felt like I was reading a bio of myself, right down to my desire to retreat into laziness and sloth as a defense from the world (I'm tempted to sit in front of the TV right now and watch Fuller House...okay, not really). I think the Enneagram is a helpful tool that any person, and any pastor, could benefit from understanding. It sheds light not just on you but on people around you. That said, I think the greatest benefit is in understanding yourself.
Well, if you only read one book on the Enneagram, read this one! Rohr dives into the history of the Enneagram, finding roots in the desert fathers (Cassian and Evagarius) and the seven deadly sins. In essence, you take the seven deadly sins and add two more and you get the nine points of the Enneagram. Identify the sin that most pulls you and you find which point you are.
As I read their description of a 9 (easy-going peacemaker) I felt like I was reading a bio of myself, right down to my desire to retreat into laziness and sloth as a defense from the world (I'm tempted to sit in front of the TV right now and watch Fuller House...okay, not really). I think the Enneagram is a helpful tool that any person, and any pastor, could benefit from understanding. It sheds light not just on you but on people around you. That said, I think the greatest benefit is in understanding yourself.
Read
May 7, 2020This is hard to rate. Parts of it are useful. It's a lot more ecumenical in perspective than I'd expected. And while it references the Bible often, it's clear the authors don't have a truly high view of Scripture. I am excessively relieved they didn't try to cast Jesus as a particular Type. Overall, I got a lot out of this book and ignored a lot of this book. Use discernment when reading, as always.
January 2, 2023
Het enneagram is niet een doorsnee persoonlijkheidstest. Het heeft verrassend veel wijsheid en diepte. Het wordt niet voor niets in het curriculum opgenomen op Hillsong college en Bethel school. Het heeft me de afgelopen jaren een spiegel voor gehouden en meer empathie en waardering gegeven voor de mensen om me heen.
Dit is mijn twee boek over het enneagram. Eerste was Road Back To You van Ian Cron en Suzanne Stabile. Ik vond het verdiepend om het vanuit een nieuw perspectief te bekijken. Dezelfde ideeën, andere woorden. Dat gaf soms nieuwe inzichten en meer context.
Ik ben er nog steeds niet op uitgekeken en lees vast over een tijdje een derde boek over dit onderwerp.
Dit is mijn twee boek over het enneagram. Eerste was Road Back To You van Ian Cron en Suzanne Stabile. Ik vond het verdiepend om het vanuit een nieuw perspectief te bekijken. Dezelfde ideeën, andere woorden. Dat gaf soms nieuwe inzichten en meer context.
Ik ben er nog steeds niet op uitgekeken en lees vast over een tijdje een derde boek over dit onderwerp.
January 14, 2013
Typology always frustrates me as I always feel I don't quite fit anywhere. The thing I liked about this book is that it used the types to attack and expose your sinful tendencies and power-dangers. Of course, those are also your great strengths, but it was not slow in putting them in their place and acknowledging the ways we weild our strengths to trouble the world (rather than better it).
It also does help you see the gifts of others ...
It also does help you see the gifts of others ...
December 18, 2019
Helpful but not scripture. To be taken with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
September 26, 2024
I've always had a curiosity about the enneagram, and it seems to return in times of uncertainty. It's proved helpful to me in identifying blind spots, particularly when it comes to relationships.
Curiously though, I haven't experienced it within a Christian context, and the perspective that Rohr and Ebert provide takes the concept a step deeper, in particular with identifying each number with its root sins and fruits of the spirit.
I identify as a 5 (perhaps a 5w4). I've mostly been aware of my desire for competence and knowledge, and my tendency to experience life primarily through the head instead of my heart and gut. I tend to observe things from afar and don't engage until I have all the information necessary.
What I didn't recognize was that the negative energy associated with this can be seen as a form of avarice. In times of trial and anxiety I tend to isolate myself from the world, creating a barrier of knowledge and resources as a form of protection. This isolation can be used as a veil of security to ensure that I'm taken care of first above others.
It's an approach not so much concerned with winning but more so with not losing. I picture it like the post-apocalyptic man, who has everything he needs to survive but is not going out of his way to try and save the world as he fears losing what little resources he has.
The invitation then for me is to face the fear of uncertain situations, to face the fear of being seen as incompetent, to have the faith that resources are not scarce, and to engage the less-than-systematic world of community and relationships.
Overall this was an illuminating book that provided me with a new perspective on how to engage the world around me.
Curiously though, I haven't experienced it within a Christian context, and the perspective that Rohr and Ebert provide takes the concept a step deeper, in particular with identifying each number with its root sins and fruits of the spirit.
I identify as a 5 (perhaps a 5w4). I've mostly been aware of my desire for competence and knowledge, and my tendency to experience life primarily through the head instead of my heart and gut. I tend to observe things from afar and don't engage until I have all the information necessary.
What I didn't recognize was that the negative energy associated with this can be seen as a form of avarice. In times of trial and anxiety I tend to isolate myself from the world, creating a barrier of knowledge and resources as a form of protection. This isolation can be used as a veil of security to ensure that I'm taken care of first above others.
It's an approach not so much concerned with winning but more so with not losing. I picture it like the post-apocalyptic man, who has everything he needs to survive but is not going out of his way to try and save the world as he fears losing what little resources he has.
The invitation then for me is to face the fear of uncertain situations, to face the fear of being seen as incompetent, to have the faith that resources are not scarce, and to engage the less-than-systematic world of community and relationships.
Overall this was an illuminating book that provided me with a new perspective on how to engage the world around me.
February 24, 2023
I have been extremely interested in typology since being introduced to it. I became steeped in Meyer-Briggs (MBTI) and even got certified to be a facilitator. The enneagram is new to me, but my daughters' generation seem to be taken with it. So I read Rohr's book in hopes of learning more about it from, as the subtitle says, a Christian perspective. I have friends who have rejected it as coming from pagan or Islamic origins. Rohr does a good job of describing what is known of its history and apparently if not originating in Sufiism, it was used and fleshed out among the Sufis.
As with most typologies, this is a tool. Tools can be used well or poorly. The enneagram focuses on our flaws and limitations while MBTI focuses more on our strengths and potential. Both need the balance of the other. I find it an interesting tool that I will keep in the toolbox as I journey forward.
As with most typologies, this is a tool. Tools can be used well or poorly. The enneagram focuses on our flaws and limitations while MBTI focuses more on our strengths and potential. Both need the balance of the other. I find it an interesting tool that I will keep in the toolbox as I journey forward.
May 12, 2020
I am so glad I took the time to read this book and read it slowly. I didn’t know anything about the Enneagram before this. What a beautiful way of exploring how we approach life and relationship and how to use that knowledge to grow closer to becoming the best versions of ourselves and grow closer to God.
November 26, 2018
The historical information was interesting. There was definitely information that I hadn’t heard yet, as well as some that was review. I still don’t think I fully grasp the whole concept of the false and true selves. But I had to breeze through a lot of it because it was due back for someone else’s hold. Need to check it out again when I have more time to give to reading and thinking!
March 3, 2023
Loved learning more about myself
August 21, 2019
The Enneagram is fascinating. This now classic book is an engaging and well-organized introduction to it, written with humility and spiritual attentiveness.
But I'm writing these words in 2019, and there are currently dozens and dozens of books written on the Enneagram from all sorts of different perspectives. There are also very many workshops, websites, and videos that seek to teach and explain it. What makes this book a valuable contribution?
More than other books on the Enneagram, Rohr and Ebert demonstrate the continuity of the Enneagram with Christian tradition, especially the tradition of the "discernment of spirits" from the Desert Fathers and other contemplatives. They also demonstrate how the Enneagram is so valuable; it is basically a tool or map of discovery which enables us to better encounter our "blocks, abysses, pitfalls, defense mechanisms, seductions, distortions, and self-deceptions." It is, therefore, a gift from God. It is a gift that leads us to spiritual growth, maturity, and love.
Among some current Christian groups, there is a severe mistrust of the Enneagram for the following reasons:
- It feels like a "New Age" fad, arising in the subjective spirituality of 1960s California.
- It might encourage a "Theology of Glory," because it speaks of discovering the truth within oneself.
- It doesn't seem to have a solid grasp of sin because it labels sin under other headings such as "compulsion, ache, defense mechanism," etc.
- It sounds too "Catholic" and too "mystical" for it to be trusted.
- It simply replicates other personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs, but does so in a less accurate and helpful way.
- It could encourage an over-focusing on interior movements which is bad because Christians should not be focused on themselves, but on others.
If anyone reading this review harbors one or more of these suspicions, then "The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective" is probably the Enneagram introduction you should read. It dispels these points as untruths and distortions.
- The Enneagram is similar to many tools of spiritual discernment that Christians such as Evagrius Ponticus and Ramon Lull used in the past. It has always drawn from the storehouse of Christian wisdom.
- It is actually a "Theology of the Cross" that is embedded in the Enneagram, because its purpose is to show the fruitlessness and destruction that come from relying on oneself. The Truth is inside because He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life is inside. I who am made in the image of God must discover all the ways I forget and sully that image.
- It is Catholic (Jesuits were the first Christians to teach it) and it is mystical (if by mystical one understands that it ultimately leads to an experience of the heart of God), and some Christians need to learn to be unafraid of that.
- It is not a personality test and does not purport to be one. It is a tool of spiritual discernment, to uncover and expose the lies we tell ourselves and the masks we wear. The point of the Enneagram is never to "rest" in a point. That is, the purpose it to journey along the one path to God - the path that one enters by one of the nine points of the Enneagram.
- Again, the goal of the Enneagram is to grow in the active love of God and others because it uncovers selfish sins. It notices them and labels them in an effort to set us free from them. The discernment of spirits has always had a place in the Christian tradition because the thorough, inward corruption of sin has always been noticed.
But I'm writing these words in 2019, and there are currently dozens and dozens of books written on the Enneagram from all sorts of different perspectives. There are also very many workshops, websites, and videos that seek to teach and explain it. What makes this book a valuable contribution?
More than other books on the Enneagram, Rohr and Ebert demonstrate the continuity of the Enneagram with Christian tradition, especially the tradition of the "discernment of spirits" from the Desert Fathers and other contemplatives. They also demonstrate how the Enneagram is so valuable; it is basically a tool or map of discovery which enables us to better encounter our "blocks, abysses, pitfalls, defense mechanisms, seductions, distortions, and self-deceptions." It is, therefore, a gift from God. It is a gift that leads us to spiritual growth, maturity, and love.
Among some current Christian groups, there is a severe mistrust of the Enneagram for the following reasons:
- It feels like a "New Age" fad, arising in the subjective spirituality of 1960s California.
- It might encourage a "Theology of Glory," because it speaks of discovering the truth within oneself.
- It doesn't seem to have a solid grasp of sin because it labels sin under other headings such as "compulsion, ache, defense mechanism," etc.
- It sounds too "Catholic" and too "mystical" for it to be trusted.
- It simply replicates other personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs, but does so in a less accurate and helpful way.
- It could encourage an over-focusing on interior movements which is bad because Christians should not be focused on themselves, but on others.
If anyone reading this review harbors one or more of these suspicions, then "The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective" is probably the Enneagram introduction you should read. It dispels these points as untruths and distortions.
- The Enneagram is similar to many tools of spiritual discernment that Christians such as Evagrius Ponticus and Ramon Lull used in the past. It has always drawn from the storehouse of Christian wisdom.
- It is actually a "Theology of the Cross" that is embedded in the Enneagram, because its purpose is to show the fruitlessness and destruction that come from relying on oneself. The Truth is inside because He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life is inside. I who am made in the image of God must discover all the ways I forget and sully that image.
- It is Catholic (Jesuits were the first Christians to teach it) and it is mystical (if by mystical one understands that it ultimately leads to an experience of the heart of God), and some Christians need to learn to be unafraid of that.
- It is not a personality test and does not purport to be one. It is a tool of spiritual discernment, to uncover and expose the lies we tell ourselves and the masks we wear. The point of the Enneagram is never to "rest" in a point. That is, the purpose it to journey along the one path to God - the path that one enters by one of the nine points of the Enneagram.
- Again, the goal of the Enneagram is to grow in the active love of God and others because it uncovers selfish sins. It notices them and labels them in an effort to set us free from them. The discernment of spirits has always had a place in the Christian tradition because the thorough, inward corruption of sin has always been noticed.
March 31, 2017
Life changing. I'm glad I dove into this world and look forward to understanding more of what it can teach me.
April 19, 2022
Perfect for anyone who is curious about Enneagram, Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert outline the main elements while pointing to additional resources and voices.
I've been getting more and more intrigued by Enneagram over the past few years but haven't made a proper study of it, so this book was a great introduction. The presumed audience is newcomers to the concepts, and Rohr and Ebert ground the basics in concrete ways without talking down to the reader. I really liked how they related each type to specific, known people with clear explanations as to how they "typed" them. The focus on growth is well-developed, as the authors don't want people to stay in their "number". Some terms feel a little dated, such as using "autistic" as an adjective detached from the neurological condition, but otherwise, the text still feels useful for today.
If you are curious about Enneagram and want to know more about the spiritual backing of the concepts, this is a good resource. If you are not interested in the spiritual side, you can either skim over those parts or check the endnotes for other resources.
I've been getting more and more intrigued by Enneagram over the past few years but haven't made a proper study of it, so this book was a great introduction. The presumed audience is newcomers to the concepts, and Rohr and Ebert ground the basics in concrete ways without talking down to the reader. I really liked how they related each type to specific, known people with clear explanations as to how they "typed" them. The focus on growth is well-developed, as the authors don't want people to stay in their "number". Some terms feel a little dated, such as using "autistic" as an adjective detached from the neurological condition, but otherwise, the text still feels useful for today.
If you are curious about Enneagram and want to know more about the spiritual backing of the concepts, this is a good resource. If you are not interested in the spiritual side, you can either skim over those parts or check the endnotes for other resources.
Read
September 19, 2019Perhaps the best element of this book is its acknowledgement that learning one’s type is a painful thing. It is hard to see your flaws presented, your pitfalls, and your failings. As a Type Four, it’s also hard to read it and not feel the warm glow of being one of the “special ones” (the pitfall of the Four). In my case, it was also a celebration as I saw how much redemption God has already worked in my sensitive little soul.
The book invites one to sober reflection and thought. It has its own failings (most notably a very strange relationship with the Bible, which the authors seem to believe and reject by turns, and some rather rude stereotyping of countries/cultures), but overall I think it is more positive than negative.
It will certainly generate thought, reflection, and hopefully conversation.
The book invites one to sober reflection and thought. It has its own failings (most notably a very strange relationship with the Bible, which the authors seem to believe and reject by turns, and some rather rude stereotyping of countries/cultures), but overall I think it is more positive than negative.
It will certainly generate thought, reflection, and hopefully conversation.
February 5, 2018
Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert have collaborated in “The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective” to add to the many efforts to introduce this time tested source of wisdom. I have learned painfully that I am in danger of making my worst mistakes when I was operating out of my “strengths”. The Enneagram helps to lift up this issue in a way that helps bring to consciousness this danger. Then forewarned can truly be forearmed. The material is presented in a conversational manner making it easy to assimilate. If you don’t know much about this method of reflection this book would be a good place to start.
May 2, 2022
3.75 stars, rounded up.
I found Part 1 relatively uninteresting, and a few parts somewhat far-fetched.
Part 2 was a relatively in-depth description of all the nine types. I enjoyed that.
I found Part 3 mostly fascinating, especially the section on the enneagram and Jesus. The author walks through different instances where Jesus perfectly demonstrated all nine types, and shows how he successfully defeated/conquered the pitfalls of that type.
I also enjoyed the enneagram Christmas sermon near the end.
I found Part 1 relatively uninteresting, and a few parts somewhat far-fetched.
Part 2 was a relatively in-depth description of all the nine types. I enjoyed that.
I found Part 3 mostly fascinating, especially the section on the enneagram and Jesus. The author walks through different instances where Jesus perfectly demonstrated all nine types, and shows how he successfully defeated/conquered the pitfalls of that type.
I also enjoyed the enneagram Christmas sermon near the end.
February 17, 2024
Not psychologically sound. The enneagram is reductive and labels people. Our spirits shouldn’t be reduced to such rigid types. I feel reading this book causes more damage than good to spiritual seekers trying to find themselves. You’re better off going to therapy and learning about cognitive distortions Dialectical behavior therapy. I’m a huge Rohr fan, but I think the enneagram is not a helpful tool.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews