Is The Enneagram Biblical? Enneagram Exposed

A Deep Dive into The Occult Origins of Enneagram and Christian Controversy

The Enneagram, a popular personality typing system, has gained significant traction in recent years, even making its way into Christian circles. But is the Enneagram biblical? This question has sparked heated debate among believers, with some embracing it as a tool for self-discovery and others denouncing it as occult-inspired pseudoscience.

In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into the origins, philosophy, and spiritual implications of the Enneagram, examining whether it aligns with Christian teachings or contradicts biblical principles.

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What is the Enneagram?

Before we can answer the question “Is the Enneagram biblical?”, we need to understand what it is. The Enneagram is a system that categorizes individuals into nine distinct personality types, each associated with core motivations, fears, and desires. Proponents claim it offers profound insights into human behavior and can be used for personal growth and improved relationships.

The nine Enneagram types are:

1. The Perfectionist
2. The Helper
3. The Achiever
4. The Individualist
5. The Investigator
6. The Loyalist
7. The Enthusiast
8. The Challenger
9. The Peacemaker

Each type is arranged on a nine-pointed diagram, with interconnecting lines representing how individuals may shift between types under stress or growth.

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The Origins of the Enneagram

To determine if the Enneagram is biblical, we must examine its roots. The modern Enneagram system was developed in the 1960s by Oscar Ichazo, a Bolivian-born philosopher. However, Ichazo drew inspiration from various ancient wisdom traditions, including:

• Mystical Judaism (Kabbalah)
• Mystical Christianity
• Islam (particularly Sufism)
• Taoism
• Buddhism
• Ancient Greek philosophy

This eclectic mix of influences raises the first red flag when considering if the Enneagram is biblical. Christianity teaches that truth comes from God’s revelation, primarily through Scripture, not a synthesis of various religious and philosophical traditions.

The Enneagram’s Occult Connections

Further complicating the question “Is the Enneagram biblical?” are its alleged occult connections. Some key points to consider:

1. Automatic Writing: According to some sources, Ichazo received the Enneagram through automatic writing, a practice where a person allegedly channels spirits to write messages. This method is explicitly condemned in the Bible as a form of divination.
2. New Age Philosophy: The Enneagram incorporates concepts like “self-realization” and “essential self,” which align more closely with New Age spirituality than biblical Christianity.
3. Gnostic Elements: The idea of hidden knowledge leading to enlightenment, central to the Enneagram philosophy, echoes Gnostic teachings that the early church rejected as heretical.

These occult and New Age connections make it difficult to argue that the Enneagram is biblical or compatible with Christian faith.

The Enneagram in Christian Circles

Despite its questionable origins, the Enneagram has found its way into many Christian churches and organizations. Some argue that it can be “Christianized” and used as a tool for spiritual growth. But is the Enneagram biblical just because some Christians use it?

Proponents claim the Enneagram can:

• Help believers understand their God-given strengths and weaknesses
• Improve relationships by fostering empathy and understanding
• Aid in spiritual formation by identifying areas for growth

However, turning to a system rooted in occult practices and diverse religious traditions contradicts the sufficiency of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.

Biblical Concerns About the Enneagram

When examining whether the Enneagram is biblical, several concerns arise:

1. Identity in Christ vs. Personality Type: The Bible teaches that our primary identity is in Christ, not in a personality type. Focusing too much on Enneagram types may distract from this crucial truth.
2. Self-Focus vs. God-Focus: The Enneagram emphasizes self-discovery and self-improvement, potentially shifting focus away from God and onto oneself.
3. Determinism: The Enneagram may lead to a deterministic view of personality, contradicting the biblical teaching that we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
4. Lack of Biblical Foundation: Unlike spiritual gifts or fruits of the Spirit, the Enneagram types are not mentioned or endorsed in Scripture.
5. Potential for Stereotyping: Categorizing people into nine types may lead to oversimplification and stereotyping, rather than seeing each person as a unique creation of God.

Is the Enneagram Biblical? A Scriptural Perspective

When asking “Is the Enneagram biblical?”, we must turn to Scripture for guidance. While the Bible doesn’t directly address the Enneagram, it does provide principles for evaluating such systems:

1. Test Everything: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs believers to “test everything; hold fast what is good.” This includes examining the Enneagram’s claims and origins.
2. Sufficiency of Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches that Scripture is sufficient for equipping believers for every good work. This raises questions about the necessity of extra-biblical systems like the Enneagram.
3. Discernment of Spirits: 1 John 4:1 warns against believing every spirit but to test them to see if they are from God. The occult origins of the Enneagram should give Christians pause.
4. Renewing of the Mind: Romans 12:2 emphasizes the importance of being transformed by the renewing of our minds according to God’s will, not conforming to worldly systems.
5. Identity in Christ: Galatians 2:20 and other passages stress that our primary identity is in Christ, not in personality types or other human categorizations.

Alternatives to the Enneagram for Christian Growth

For those convinced that the Enneagram is not biblical, there are numerous alternatives rooted in Scripture for personal and spiritual growth:

1. Bible Study and Meditation: Regularly engaging with God’s Word provides insights into our nature, purpose, and areas for growth.
2. Prayer and Fasting: These spiritual disciplines help cultivate intimacy with God and self-awareness.
3. Spiritual Gifts Assessments: Biblical assessments of spiritual gifts can help believers understand their role in the body of Christ.
4. Discipleship and Mentoring: Building relationships with mature believers can provide personalized guidance and accountability.
5. Service and Ministry: Engaging in service can reveal strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth in a practical context.
6. Fruits of the Spirit: Focusing on cultivating the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) provides a biblical framework for character development.

Conclusion: Is the Enneagram Biblical?

After careful examination, it’s challenging to conclude that the Enneagram is biblical. While it may offer some insights into human behavior, its occult origins, New Age philosophy, and lack of scriptural foundation raise serious concerns for Christians.

Ultimately, believers must exercise discernment and prioritize Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit over human-made systems of personality typing. Rather than asking, “What’s my Enneagram type?”, Christians would do well to ask, “How can I grow in Christlikeness?”

As we seek to understand ourselves and others, let us remember that our primary identity is in Christ, and our goal is to be conformed to His image. The Bible provides all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), offering a sure foundation for personal growth and spiritual development that no personality test can match.

In conclusion, while the Enneagram may be popular, it is not biblical. Christians are called to find their identity, purpose, and path to growth in Christ and His Word, not in systems rooted in occult practices and diverse religious traditions.

Disclaimer: This article is inspired by the work of Heaven and Healing podcast.