Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 24:69 (Autumn 2020)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

JODT 24:69 (Autumn 2020) p. 223

Book Reviews

The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert. Translated by Peter Heinegg. New York: Crossroad Publishing, 1989; reprint, 2019. 296 pp. + xxxiii, paper, $19.95.

Written in 1989 under the title of Discovering the Enneagram: An Ancient Tool for a New Spiritual Journey, and somewhat revised for this printing, Rohr and Ebert’s work is foundational for a modern understanding of the Enneagram. Originally, the authors believed the Enneagram system was derived from medieval Islamic (Sufi) sources, but by this printing, they traced its beginning to the Christian desert fathers and mothers, primarily to Evagrius Ponticus (d. 399) and the Franciscan Blessed Ramon Lull (1236–1315) (p. ix). The roots of Enneagram might even be related to pre-Christian times (p. xi) and finds common ground in mysticism which resides in many major religions (p. xii). The reason is because “all mystical ways offer methods for unmasking the illusionary self – whether through knowledge, asceticism, good works, or meditation” (p. xii). However, there are no known written sources to prove that the Enneagram is an “ancient wisdom teaching” (p. 6). Enneagram was first presented in the West in 1916 by George Gurdjieff who referred to hidden Sufi sources and his own vision of angels (pp. 6–7). However, links to Evagrius Ponticus, a desert monk born in 345 and later condemned along with Origen as a heretic, can be found, but even Evagrius did not create the contemporary Enneagram, nor can it be traced in toto to the desert fathers, even though certain parts can be (pp. 9–14).

The authors admit that the Enneagram offers much that is similar to other personality typing systems such as the four temperaments, astrology, Jungian psychology, and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (pp. xiv, 3–4). What distinguishes the Enneagram, and makes it incredibly dangerous (in this reviewer’s opinion), is its claim to aid its followers in spiritual development. Ebert wrote, “I believe the Enneagram can help us to find a deeper and more authentic relationship with God – even though it was not discovered by Christians” (p. xiv). Rohr added, “I again offer the Enneagram as another of the endlessly brandished swords of the Holy Spirit. The Enneagram, like the Spirit of truth itself, will always set you free, but first, it will make you miserable!” (p. xxiii); and, “It is concerned with change and making a turnaround, with what the religious traditions call conversion or repentance” (p. 4). The quotes are deceptive and

JODT 24:69 (Autumn 2020) p. 224

troubling, especially since the authors said next to nothing about what Scripture teaches concerning salvation, sanctification, or the sufficiency of...