During my (almost) two decades in the workforce, I have been given a number of personality assessments and EQ tests by employers and potential employers. The results have been fairly consistent. If I had amalgamate those consistent results into one final designation, I’d label myself an “ISAAWWBWCAPWVTS”. That’s shorthand for insufferable autistic accountant who works best with computers and people with very thick skin. I have found, to be certain, value in understanding my how my particular style integrates with those of my fellow workers and managers. That’s not to say that I haven’t been skeptical of the personality assessments I’ve taken over the years. Each of them has been grounded in secular psychology. As a Christian, I know that there is a moral component to how I treat (love) my coworkers (neighbors). As a Christian, I know that the Holy Sprit can help me overcome certain negative traits and sinful tendencies. Ultimately, I filter personality assessments through a biblical lens. Fortunately, no secular assessment I have yet been asked to take at work has violated my Christian conscience. Thankfully, I’ve never been asked to take an Enneagram assessment.
The Enneagram has its origins in New Age and Jesuit spiritually. The best article on the Enegram I could find to hyperlink for the readership of this blog is by Joe Carter (of all people), at The Gospel Coalition (of all places). In that article, Carter describes the Enegram as a “tool that was developed by someone who claims it was handed to him in a vision from what sounds suspiciously like a demon.” For an more in-depth analysis and a stronger condemnation of the Enneagram, see this video from Justin Peters.
From what I’ve studied, the Enneagram has no place in Christian circles. Nevertheless it is found within them.
Just yesterday, America’s most popular women’s Bible teacher (Beth Moore) and the Editor-in-Chief (Russell Moore) could be found yucking it up on Twitter about their Enneagram numbers. Why would people who have made a living out of immersing themselves in scripture and leading Christian organizations be so gung-ho about their Enneagrams? Shouldn’t the Holy Spirit within them tip them off to unbiblical nature of the Enneagram? Shouldn’t they, given their positions of influence, have educated themselves, about the (spiritual, New Age) origins of the Enneagram?
How long before the Enneagram finds its way from New Age retreats to corporate HR departments to the staff meeting at your local church? Let us pray that your pastors have more discernment and suspicion than Beth Moore and Russell Moore.
*Please note that the preceding is my personal opinion. It is not necessarily the opinion of any entity by which I am employed, any church at which I am a member, any church which I attend, or the educational institution at which I am enrolled. Any copyrighted material displayed or referenced is done under the doctrine of fair use.
