The Enneagram and Scripture: What Christians Need to Know

The Rising Trend in Christian Churches

The Enneagram—a nine-pointed symbol categorizing people into personality types—has rapidly gained popularity in Christian communities. Churches nationwide use it for sermon series, counseling, and discipleship programs. But should they?

The Troubling Origins

Despite its modern packaging, the Enneagram (from Greek words meaning "nine drawing") has roots in occult practices. Leading Enneagram teachers like Richard Rohr promote concerning beliefs:

• Universalism (all people will attain "Christ consciousness")
• Pantheism (all things are divine)
• Rejection of core Christian doctrines

These aren't minor theological differences—they represent fundamental departures from biblical teaching.

What Scripture Says About Finding Wisdom

The Bible speaks clearly about where Christians should seek wisdom:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Scripture is sufficient for understanding ourselves and improving our relationships. As Hebrews 4:12 tells us, God's Word is "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword...a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The early church modeled proper response to occult practices when believers publicly burned their books of "curious arts" (Acts 19:18-20). The result? "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."

Why This Matters

When churches adopt the Enneagram, they implicitly suggest Scripture alone is insufficient. This undermines the Bible's authority and introduces concepts from questionable sources.

Biblical Alternatives

Instead of the Enneagram, consider these scriptural approaches:

• Deep study of biblical wisdom literature
• Prayer and Christian fellowship
• Bible-based discipleship
• Family devotions
• Counsel from mature believers

As Hebrews 12:2 reminds us, we should look "unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"—not to personality tests with occult origins.

🔍 Want to hear more verse-by-verse Bible teaching on this topic? This post summarizes a comprehensive sermon examining what Scripture says about seeking wisdom from God's Word alone. Click here to listen to the complete expository sermon. 📚 Dive deeper into God's truth!