The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective

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 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.

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.

As the headline says. I haven't read the book yet, but know Richard Rohr is always a thought-provoking author from previous books of his that I have read.

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..)

This is not a feel-good self-esteem booster, which is part of the appeal of the book to me, but also what makes it something to be careful with. What I love about this book is how Richard Rohr is both very frank and honest, not mincing words or trying to make the truth more palatable to the reader, while at the same time being full of grace for each personality and somehow communicating that it's okay if you're as immature in your personality as they come - you'll get it eventually, once you face the truth of your own motives.This book is unique in the sense that, if read at the right time or in the right season of a person's life, has the potential to really change the individual. I would recommend this book for individuals in their mid-20s and older, but particularly those who find themselves in a season of intentional focus on self-awareness and personal growth; it will be most helpful for those who are ready and willing to discover hard truths about themselves and commit to take seriously the implications of those discoveries.

Very good read. I've enjoyed it. Its helpful to know the subtle nuances of an individuals needs and to understand it in the context of the gospel.

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.