Book Review: The Enneagram Goes to Church by Todd Wilson

The Bible says, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Colossians 2:8, LSB). The church for years has been guilty of allowing worldly ideologies come into the church because it might be considered helpful. We have allowed those with questionable theology to influence us in ways that is unchristian of anyone to speak out against them. 

Over the years, we have had charismatic theology crept into the church through various teachings along with Critical Race Theory under the guise of "Analytical Tools." One thing that has infiltrated that the church has been a so-called personality test called The Enneagram. Now I am sure many of you are wondering what is The Enneagram. Believe me, trying to describe what this thing is has not been an easy task. What The Enneagram is basically defining who you are a person using the geometric figure called the enneagram. There are nine personality types this test gives:

1. Perfectionist

2. Helper

3. Performer

4. Romantic 

5. Investigator 

6. Loyalist

7. Enthusiast 

8. Challenger

9. Peacemaker

Sounds like nothing is wrong with it on the surface, but when you actually look more into it, you begin to see there is a lot New Ageism and Mysticism in this personality test. These are worldly philosophies that the Bible says we are to avoid. 

In this book, The Enneagram Goes to Church by Todd Wilson is about Wilson's own experience with using the Enneagram in his ministry. Wilson is the president of The Center for Pastor Theologians and author of a couple of books. In this one, he expressed that he wished he used the Enneagram sooner because it can help us on our daily walk with Jesus and understand how people work.

Interesting, that Christian these days continue to get outside sources to help them in their walk with Jesus that is not even Biblical. We have to some "Analytical Tool" to help us how to relate to people. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that those who read the Bible should not be shocked at the state of the world. Yet, we continue to be shocked which is why things like the Enneagram are attractive because it gives "another perspective." 

Wilson believes that all truth is God's truth, therefore, the Enneagram must be truthful. I cannot comprehend why anyone would something like this would be filled with God's truth. As I said, once you get more into the foundation of the Enneagram, the more you will see this is a perversion of truth. There is nothing helpful, it will be more hurtful. In fact, the Universalist Richard Rohr, the one whom is an influencer of Steven Furtick is a proponent of the Enneagram. That should make you question if this is something I should be involved with.

The book deals with how each of the personality types of the Enneagram can help in specific areas of the church such as preaching and being a pastor. If you are getting advice from something filled with mysticism then you have no business preaching let alone shepherd God's people. 

When the Enneagram comes to your church, there needs to be a time for rebuke and correction. This book will show you how far some church leaders would be willing go to be effective even if it is from a worldly philosophy. 

I received this book from InterVarsity Press in exchange for a review.