The Enneagram, which is touted as a way–apart from the Scriptures–to gain insight into one’s “true self,” restoring balance and developing more desirable qualities to one’s personality and reaching a state of spiritual “freedom,” is a system of personality typing and self-awareness that was developed in the 20th century by George Gurdjieff and Oscar Ichazo. Its origins have been linked to Gnostic principles and teachings, but its compatibility with Christianity is highly contested by Bible-believing Christianity.

Some self-described Christian leaders may promote the use of the Enneagram, but it is important to note that it is not based on Christian principles or teachings and relies on a spiritual worldview that is fundamentally different than that of Christianity. This difference may cause confusion and misunderstanding for individuals and may lead them to question their faith.

Additionally, the Enneagram’s emphasis on self-discovery and self-improvement is not consistent with the Christian doctrine of humility, which teaches that salvation and growth in spiritual maturity come from a relationship with God, not from one’s own abilities or strengths. The Enneagram may lead individuals away from relying on God’s grace and instead encourage a focus on self-reliance.

Moreover, the Enneagram introduces a set of complex, man-made categories that goes beyond what the Bible teaches about human nature, which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, rather than clarity and wisdom. The Bible already provides a clear explanation of human nature, and understanding of the complexities of human nature should come from the scriptures, rather than from any man-made systems or theories.

All that being said, Jackie Hill Perry, who formerly promoted the Enneagram has now renounced it. Hill Perry, who regularly preaches at the IF:Gathering, is close with its founder, Jennie Allen. Jennie Allen is a proponent of the Enneagram. Allen also teaches an unbiblical method of “retraining your thoughts” through the use of various pop psychologies rather than through submission to God’s word. In this video, she now says it is demonic after she spent several days studying it.

Now, if we could just get her to repent of all of her other false teachings, such as Same-sex-attracted Christianity, feminism, the social gospel, and charismaticism, and get her to step down and sit under solid Bible teaching, she might become credible.