I've recently noticed in increase in the use of the enneagram tool in churches. What is your view on using this tool (albeit with good intentions), bearing in mind that it has its origins in occult practices? I’d appreciate your thoughts. — R.M.
I stumbled upon the enneagram and it helped me to realise my blind spots and understand the unhealthy traits that are the fruits of my pride. It also helped me to see how my character falls short, and how better to understand others. In a recent campus meeting we all were also encouraged to take the test. However, I shared the enneagram test with my family and my brother responded pointed out that the origin of the enneagram lies in the occult world, and the test was designed to draw us away from the Lord. How should I respond? — T.N.
A lot of people are talking about the enneagram. I watched this piece by Ian Cron. What are your thoughts? — R.C.
I’m wondering whether you should do a Q&A on the enneagram, which seems to be getting a lot of traction. — M.A.
Thank all of you for your questions and comments. In my opinion, the video by Cron has a lot of merit. It’s not only interesting, but may help us to be more humble through realizing that many of our perspectives are conditioned. Many things that are helpful to us originate in the non-Christian world, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be gained by making use of them. (For example, consider scientific discoveries made by atheists, the pagan poets quoted by the apostle Paul in Acts 17, or the word Thursday—named after the Norse god Thor.) As people of faith we learn how to wisely adapt materials to hand in the service of our Lord.
Response from M.A.: The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was created by someone heavily influenced by Carl Jung, and yet many employers require their employees to take the test. I personally took it twice as part of my personality profile at work.
Further: Check out three piece from Soul Shepherding here.
