“The Enneagram is a tool that awakens our compassion for people just as they are, not the people we wish they would become so our lives would become easier.”
IAN MORGAN CRON
There are so many methods of self-help available to us nowadays, but the use of the Enneagram in this context is not just being educated in a tool. Rather, it is a prompt to look at the character of Christ, to awe in the reality that we are made in the image of God, and to submit ourselves to the work of Holy Spirit in our lives unto experiencing true transformation.
Whether you are someone receiving Enneagram coaching/consulting from me, are a Spiritual Director looking for resources, or are just looking to learn more about the Enneagram within a Christian worldview, hopefully these resources will be of aid to you.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
IT CAN OFTEN BE DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHERE TO START WHEN LEARNING ABOUT THE ENNEAGRAM. HERE ARE SOME OF THE RESOURCES THAT I’VE FOUND MOST USEFUL.
Reading List
Self to Lose Self to Find is one of my current Enneagram favorites. It does a good job at forming the whole idea of authentic (true) self and adapted (false) self from a solid biblical foundation. It’s easy to read and integrates short stories from various people, yet keeps it succinct. I recommend it as a good starting point that isn’t too heady, while giving plenty of theological foundations to begin considering the discussion.
The Road Back to You has often been my recommended starting point for people when it comes to the Enneagram. It is an entertaining read, with the wisdom and experiences of both Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile. It’s full of stories and examples, and honestly looks at the more difficult aspect of each type without it feeling scathing. In addition to this book, they did a great podcast which is above in the Podcast section above.
The Path Between Us is a wonderful next step from The Road Back to You. It takes the foundation of Enneagram knowledge, and answers the questions of how this effects our interactions and relationships. It looks at each type and how it interacts with the other types. It’s definitely worth the read if you are look for ways to apply this knowledge to your relationships.
Mirror For The Soul doesn’t really go into too much depth in Enneagram history and overview, and for that reason it may not be the most helpful as a starting point. However, if you have read other books regarding it – I’d recommend this book. Here’s why: Alice Fryling is a Spiritual Director, and in this book she weaves together Scripture meditations and reflection and discussion questions into the discussion of the Enneagram. We can often approach the Enneagram from such a left-brained, information driven, perspective, so I enjoy the way that Fryling endeavors to aid us in connecting the brain to the heart.
The Sacred Enneagram is a good read. It looks at history, overview, and goes into detail of some of the more intricate Enneagram aspects that other often don’t look at. Because of that, it can get pretty heady sometimes. However, with that said, one of the great gifts of it is that it is one of the first books that I read that integrated the formational aspects of silence, solitude, and stillness, and taking it from theory to spiritual practice.
PODCASTS
This podcast, hosted by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile, looks at life through the lens Enneagram, an ancient personality type system that describes how human beings are wired. With various guests, this podcast offers unique insights through different personal experiences.
Enneagram Overview
Here are some videos that give a pretty good foundation to key Enneagram concepts and fundamentals.
Creative Looks at the Enneagram
Enneagram in Film | By Josh Keefe
Sleeping At Last
A LOOK AT THE ENNEAGRAM THROUGH THE MUSIC OF SLEEPING AT LAST. Listen to Chicago-based singer-songwriter, producer and composer, Ryan O’Neal share his songs inspired by the different Enneagram types – and discusses the different types with Chris Heuertz, the author of The Sacred Enneagram.
While I am not a fan of tests when it comes to the Enneagram, for my coaching and consulting I use the Wagner Enneagram Personality Style Scales test. A test is a test, and can be impacted by seasons of life, how much sleep you got last night, and even your mood. So, it’s not an end all. However, it is a helpful tool that I use to begin the conversation of how we think and act in the world. This test is in-depth, while affordable.