— A book review by Nicole King
I’ve always been fascinated by different systems that help to explain personality and motivation—why we do the things we do. About two years ago I was introduced to the Enneagram, a typing system that traces its roots to ancient origins and has recently experienced renewed interest and popularity.
You’ll find many, many books, articles, and websites written about the Enneagram, and I’m not advocating for all of them. As with any tool, it can be used for good or bad; yielded well or poorly. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery, provides an excellent introduction and overview. The author, Ian Morgan Cron, is a Christian, and as a former pastor and counselor, he draws on a great depth of experience and insight. Don’t worry, though—in this case, depth doesn’t translate to length. Whereas some books on the Enneagram are as big as a phone book, this one is concise but still informative.
Each of the nine personality types on the Enneagram comes with inherent strengths and weaknesses. My favorite part about this book is that every chapter on one of the nine types concludes with a practical list of ways that you can work on shortcomings. I don’t advocate knowing more about oneself just for the sake of naval gazing. But I do believe there’s truth in Augustine’s prayer: “Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee.”
It’s been true for me. The things I have learned about myself through the Enneagram have drawn me closer to God. Being aware of my tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses, has made me all the more acutely aware of my need for a savior. My “strengths” can be useful, but only insofar as I harness them for God’s glory. We were all created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph. 2:10), and while we might eventually stumble upon the best ways to use our strengths for God’s glory, the Enneagram offers a kind of shortcut.
For better relationships, more fulfilling work, and for a life more closely examined to draw closer to your Creator, I recommend this book. If you read it, let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts.