Discovering the Enneagram: An Ancient Tool For a New Spiritual Journey

by Richard Rohr

English (translation)Original German

Genres: Psychology, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion, Christianity, Counselling

Hardcover

First published August 8, 1990

About the author

Fr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fr. Richard's teaching is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized.

Fr. Richard is author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, Eager to Love, and The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation (with Mike Morrell).

Fr. Richard is academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Living School is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings. Visit cac.org for more information.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know if I dislike the Enneagram or Richard Rohr's presentation of it more, but after reading Discovering the Enneagram I am far from enamored of either.

The Enneagram is another way to box people into stereotypes without getting to know them more thoroughly. It is another excuse for your own behavior. It is a painful way to define ourselves: by our faults.

Though his writing style is clean and easy to read, Rohr takes liberties with interpretation. His Biblical examples are sometimes presumptuous, like when Gospel-writer John attributes a quote to Jesus and Rohr confidently overrides this attribution because they are "words that Jesus surely never said" (p.61). He also seems quick to judge groups. He accuses his contemporaries of being "the first generation in world history that has bought our way out of the experience of failure with the help of prosperity" (p.70), which is ridiculous because that is all the rich have ever done. If the rich must learn virtue, then it will not help to exaggerate their sins. In addition, Rohr harshly judges a whole Enneagram group when he says, "'I always used to look up to you and admire you.... But now I know that most of you are nothing but FIVEs'" (p.104). He means it as a joke, of course, but the truth of it resonates with me: once we think we can define someone's character, we label that character as "nothing."

I have heard amazing feedback from friends about both Enneagrams and Richard Rohr, so I am hesitant to let this book cloud my judgment of either. Still, I encourage you to approach Discovering the Enneagram warily, not in haste to label or judge yourself or others.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. It gave me a lot more insight into the ways of the enneagram than the other book I had read on it. It also gave me good food for thought about myself and my own weaknesses. I liked the Catholic/Christian perspective and ending thoughts on Jesus. I LOVED the break-down of the "Our Father" as each line relates to each of the nine types. I'm a little wary of using it as a tool with people unless they identify themselves. It could be easy to judge someone, yet I found it helpful in understanding a few people in my life who have never opened up otherwise.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been curious about the Enneagram for some time, especially as the hosts of the Currently Reading podcast talk about it all the time. This book is a well-written overview of the 9 types that the author, a Catholic priest, places in a Christian perspective. I like that the author uses stories and examples to illustrate each of the 9 types.

[Hope Rozenboom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The enneagram is a "personality profile" that identifies people by 9 different "root sins"--our go-to sin that ultimately is what blocks us from God. That root sin is actually the other side of our greatest strength--it becomes our sin because it's what works for us, what gets us by. For example, I am a 9, "the peacemaker." I almost never get upset, and I can always see both sides of an argument. This is my downfall because, since I see all sides of a question, I have a very hard time committing to one. It's hard for me to take action, it's easier to avoid--so, much as I hate to admit it, my root sin is laziness--it's easier just to let everything go.
The enneagram is definitely the most accurate description of my personality that I've ever read; it resonates with me much more than the Myers-Briggs types. I think part of the reason it is so accurate is because it allows for so much variation within types, especially with the growth that can happen within your type. None of the 9 types are better or worse, but there is a way that an "unredeemed 9" acts that is very different from a "redeemed 9". We will always have our personality, but by God's grace we can grow and learn to deal with our root sins.
This book is a pretty good introduction to the ideas of the enneagram. I personally found it really interesting.

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got kind of obsessed with the Enneagram for awhile. I found myself so clearly described in this book that it was frightening! It has helped me understand many people in my life and given me insight into my marriage. A very interesting read.

[Derek W. Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rohr doesn't use a test or inventory - he shows how the Enneagram works and what it reveals... Then when you recognize yourself (in an "oh crap, that's me" moment) you can use the model for further reflective insight.

[David L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks like an in depth study is required. Rohr is not giving a quick read.

[Daniel Triumph · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starting place, and even better if you're Christian or familiar with biblical or catholic traditions and stories.

Not too in depth, but readily provides intersections with science where available. Writer's voice comes through, but is largely unproblematic and academic.

Easy to read and understand, though I had hoped for more insight and depth.

[Lisadunbar22 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long and boring

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of the Enneagram system in general. I find it to be a versatile and useful tool for exploring the human experience of the world. In general, I like Richard Rohr's presentation of the system, but I think this type of book would benefit from the inclusion of my faith perspectives than just Roman Catholicism. Also, the stereotypes that are used to illustrate the Nine Types felt hokey. It truly is a product of the late eighties/ early nineties! If you're new to the Enneagram, I would start with Riso or Palmer, but this is a great supportive text after the basics are under your belt!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like my own copy so I can make notes in it. I enjoy books about personality types and figuring out myself and others. Does a great job explaining the enneagram and how you can take your behavioral tendencies and become a better you, so to speak.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just skimmed it.
I did not like the wishy-washy the explanation of the origins of the enneagram. It was several paragraphs of nothing.
I did like how the author showed each number through Jesus. Jesus as perfect exemplifies the best of every type.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm going to look into this further. Interesting.

[S. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it a lot. First time with the enneagram. Enjoyed the added Christian perspective.

[Josh L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview, though a bit dated. Appreciate the realism that came with the Christian view of it and the exposition of Jesus as embodying the best of all types

[Kay Vanatta]

Loved it! An unusual look at personality types and tendencies