How Should Christians Think about the Enneagram? A Conversation with Dr. Chris Berg.

[@davidmorrowacousticmusic1867]

I’m a trained psychologist and have worked in the Psychology department of a Psychiatric Hospital and subsequently as a Christian pastor. The Enneagram is not based on any evidence based research and has no scientific validity unlike most psychometric assessments of personality. It is simply a recently devised New Age technique completely at odds with reason, scientific validation and in the Church of any congruity with biblical teaching and theology.

[@thestraightroad305]

Thank you from that summation.

[@andrewcramer9200]

Jay Medenwaldt just recently posted on his website (I'd post the link but sometimes KZbin removes those comments because they assume I'm spamming) a transcript of a presentation he gave that really eviscerates the Enneagram very thoroughly including citing studies, albeit limited in number (which is technically a red flag in itself, that some people claim it's "recommended by psychologists" as they try to sell their books or get clicks on their blog, etc., and yet actual studies are limited and those studies are either laughed at for poor practices and being conducted by non-psychologists, or show just how ineffective it actually is in so-called "personal growth".)

[@thomasmbr]

I am a physician, sub specialist and find it very useful, accurate and helpful. As have many people. Your credentials and mine have the power of one. The empirical evidence of its usefulness buries yours and my degrees. No evidence base but what study do you site that has proved it invalid? None! They haven’t been done. So, you are shooting in the dark.

[@teeseedixon5306]

@@thomasmbr I encourage you to do a deep dive into the true origins of the enneagram. A lady named Marsha Montenegro goes in depth in her explanation of it

[@amazingbibleantiquities7221]

@@thomasmbr l found it to be accurate but the Spirit led me to toss all of my books--and l had a lot of them. I just depend on the Bible. 🤔

[@rosanneburck1899]

What raised the red flags for my husband and I was the statement by the guest speaker in our church on a Sunday morning who introduced the ennegram by saying, "You can't know God until you know yourself." Thereby putting the self as central, instead of God.

[@2ManyJALS]

Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (incurably sick); who can know it?" (NKJV)

[@tonywolfemusic5920]

“If any man would come to me, he must deny himself and pick up his cross and follow me.”

[@LouisaWatt]

One of the best points from this video (and it’s a whole discussion in itself) is that modern western Christians seem to think it’s ok to offer God strange fire.

[@thyswifey]

I dived DEEP into the enneagram and loved every minute. Couldn’t get enough. This went on for a year. I’ve been a strong Christian for 20 years. I learned about the origins and eventually felt I needed to walk away. It means a lot to me that someone I respect so much like Dr. Chris is addressing this topic and I definitely appreciate this interview. Studying the enneagram (and I was in deep) really pointed me farther from Christ’s death and resurrection and more towards “Christian Universalism”. I’m so glad I walked away.

[@BeksWorld]

I had the same experience as you. I went all in & realized how off this was. Once I heard it’s origins & realized I was spending more time with the Enneagram versus the actual Word of God, it was so eye opening for me. And this is a fantastic Q&A. I see this isn’t going away. It’s been several years since I realized how bad it is. But so many are latching on to this “like it is Gospel”. I’ll be sharing this with friends.

[@aprilhamblin4314]

Praise God!

[@spiritoftruthoutreach7633]

Hey Lindsay! I'm glad you liked the video! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'd love to hear the full account some time!

[@tonybasoni8443]

LH,......The truth of the matter is, no actual Christian would ever have had anything whatsoever to do with this ungodly, worldly nonsense. Only those that have been deceived into thinking they are a Christian would have. The entire church is filled with counterfeit Christians. There are no believers in the church, only the blind, lost, and deceived Godless people of the God hating world as you have clearly proven. Sorry, but this is the truth of the matter. The church is of the world, it is not of God/Jesus.

[@leslierandall6242]

God knows all who belong to Him. Beautiful testimony.

[@user-cu3xn4xj3i]

I knew there was something wrong when I literally only heard some of my church member friends talking about their "numbers" . Before I knew the word Enneagram. The first thing I thought was it's no different than looking at your horoscope. I thank Jesus for discernment. I can spot new age anything most all the time.

[@user-cu3xn4xj3i]

@Gary Allen Yes. Thank you!

[@sybrandwoudstra9236]

Thought I could spot New Age from a mile away, turns out to not be the case. I thought enneagram was only about putting people into 9 boxes. 8:17 is true though. Pragmaticism rings true too. 18:36 is a HUGE red flag though.

[@heatherm3551]

Praise God for giving you the gift of discernment!

[@hopetaylor4946]

Yes! You're right just like horoscope.

[@claudiaperfetti7694]

@@sybrandwoudstra9236 I do not agree.. The analysis is quite superficial since neither of them have interacted with the system to derive any true understanding of how it can help. Minute 31 there's a question that expresses my own opinion as I have used it and found it helpful at one point in my life.

[@josieclark4476]

My church has been using the enneagram for the last few years. When I engaged a woman’s leader (who was teaching it)about Richard Rohr, she definitely became enraged. She wanted to know what my number was! To me, this has become an idol many cannot give up.

[@ChiefofSinnersThoughIBe]

I would run from that church quickly.

[@KM-zn3lx]

What sort of church is this?

[@goteamslugs]

And now that church has become a cult . . Hopefully many see this video.

[@HumanimalChannel]

You're in a satanic cult.

[@johnsteven7437]

It’s so discouraging how pastors will pick up something like the enneagram and start promoting it without investigating it’s validity or alignment with scripture.

[@nellybelly623]

Yes! How did they not get the same red flags that I did?

[@johnkennedy68]

Search for! Jesus, we need You now more than ever!

[@selahrichardson]

Right! Like The Bible isn't good.enough!

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@sergiosensation6]

The enneagram is before the Bible so that explains why it’s not biblical

[@taraluke6725]

Excellent interview! Thank you for teaching and equipping us, in how to recognize the New Age and how it’s seeping into the churches. Fantastic and very helpful!

[@leanagonzalez467]

Dear heavenly Father, Give us a heart for your Word that we may have discernment. Like sheep, we are led astray. Help us hide your Word in our heart that we may not sin against you.

[@ktermalkut8332]

SALVATION is under Acts 2:38-39. 99.999% of western churches deny it. Do you?

[@leanagonzalez467]

@@ktermalkut8332 no

[@tanyalatricestaysonfire3929]

I thought Enneagram was suspect when I saw the diagrams. I did read a book written by Christian psychologists and at first thought it wasn’t too bad, but it has so many New Age qualities. I realized this is not something Christians should be messing with.

[@Balcamion79]

My Dad always told me, "Don't pick through the poop to get the corn."

[@MissDaphne.87]

For me that also hits me at the films, entertainment and the like thst have lots of bad language , themes- occasionally do- that I may still consume because I see some of it as valid as entertainment. That's wrong thinking.

[@hayjo98]

Oh wow... had to Laugh Out Loud, really!

[@charitysChannels]

Sounds like my dad 🤣

[@j.driver8785]

What an excellent counter argument to the silly phrase: "eat the meat and spit out the bones"!

[@Tami8161]

This is a fantastic discussion, Dr. Berg is GREAT! I'd like to see more of what he is teaching too:) He explains things in a way that makes it very easy to understand. Thanks!!

[@charlieshammer6129]

Why would any Christian want any information that was channeled?

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@lvendemo]

In the last days, there will be many false teachers, and people with itching ears......... 2 Timothy 4:2-5, amplified version "preach the word as an official messenger; be ready, when the time is right, and even when it is not; keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome; correct those who err in doctrine or behavior, warn those who sin, exhort, and encourage those who are growing towards spiritual maturity, with an exhaustible, patience and faithful teaching. For the time will come, when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction, that challenges them with God's truth; but wanting to have their ears tickled with something pleasing, they will accumulate for themselves, many teachers, one, after another, chosen to satisfy their own desires, and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions, and will accept the unacceptable. But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation, stay calm and cool and steady, endure every hardship without flinching, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill the duties of your ministry.

[@Alexandracockroft]

"It the belief in some way shape or form, that man is divine." Well said. This is a blessing to me. Thank you guys! THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS. Preaching the TRUTH against the enneagram here in Oklahoma.

[@psalm1197]

And you have a great name!😉

[@heatherm3551]

I'm in Oklahoma City! When I told my discipleship group about how the ennagram types were channeled through automatic writing and there is a video on KZbin exposing it straight from Claudio's mouth, they just denied he created the enneatypes. It troubles me that other Christians are so attached to the enneagram and won't even bother to look into a claim that would be a huge red flag if found to be true.

[@johnkennedy68]

Search for! Jesus, we need You now more than ever!

[@Alexandracockroft]

@@heatherm3551 me too!!!! WOW. We should meet up for coffee!

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@ChalkboardCreativeHomeschool]

Thank you sooo much for this episode! I’ve been warning so many of my Christian sisters about this, with a lot of pushback.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@Chancho3232]

what are you warning them about?

[@emaleespringfield1424]

@@ktermalkut8332 Would you list your reasons for taking that stance about Mr. McDowell? Thank you!

[@ktermalkut8332]

@@emaleespringfield1424 I am happy to explain. But since we should both be on the same page and seeking to obey THE LORD JESUS, Who is His WORD - Revelation 19:13, John 1:1, could you please tell me if you are baptized in The HOLY Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other Tongues. If not why?

[@allisonpelphrey1816]

Great conversation. Too many Christians messing around with pagan belief systems. Thank you Dr Berg and Shaun for opening this subject up. The Bible is our only source for living.

[@ktermalkut8332]

Are you then SAVED UNDER ACTS 2:38, do you celebrate the pagan roman catholic feasts like christmas and easter and justify it with your human reasoning with no direction or teaching from THE LORD JESUS - Matthew 23:8-10, or do you ONLY consider what your denomination tells you is the "Word of God?" 99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with this nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@bellachi9575]

The groundwork for the enneagram in the church was laid 60 years ago when Christians were using the Greek humors (sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, melancholic) as a personality test, associating them with the personalities of the disciples.

[@littleboots9800]

That sounds interesting. I'd never heard of that.

[@joaniejorash7201]

No it is not from the church - it comes from the occult - Chilean guy who got it from automatic writing.

[@bellachi9575]

@@joaniejorash7201 let me clarify. The groundwork for USING material like the enneagram in the church was laid 60 years ago. There was a pamphlet making the rounds among Christians that used the Greek humors to classify personality types, each type illustrated by one of the disciples.

[@andrewcramer9200]

Tim LaHaye tried to revive them in the 70s as well. What a joke.

[@nancystreet6566]

I remember that and took those tests. I want to repent of that!

[@SJQuirke]

Very interesting and informative - I liked the careful distinction between rejecting a view because it comes from a different religion and challenging an idea that is contrary to God's Word

[@briankite7744]

It was work with the Enneagram that inadvertently led me to have a profound spiritual encounter with Christ and was saved on August 7, 2021. The compassion it taught me unlocked some key in my heart and Christ stepped on in. So there’s that…

[@BigAl53750]

Okay, but I have heard testimonies of people who were born again in the middle of a seance or similar Satanic practice. Should we then teach people to call up demons so they can be saved in a similar way? This kind of thinking is so dangerous it can’t be adequately described! Just because someone meets Jesus in the middle of a Satanic or demonic experience does NOT, EVER, justify someone practicing that particular practice! Please learn to rely on the scriptures ALONE for learning spiritual truth.

[@Jessica_Jones]

Praise God for your encounter with Christ! From all I've heard, it seems that there certainly is helpful information from the enneagram that can unlock awareness of oneself as well as how we interact with others, and it sounds like that totally contributed to your eyes being opened :) As Dr. Berg noted, though, even if something works or produces positive results, it isn't necessarily something we should pursue. Since better resources exist both in the Bible and through scientifically-founded tools in psychotherapy, it does make far more sense to place our focus on Scripture and such helpful tools that do not come packaged with a theologically problematic worldview. Also, I have been repeatedly reminded that while something may not be a temptation for me, it still could be a stumbling block for others. Hope you are doing well and seeing more and more of the depth of God's glory and blessings in your life 🥰

[@richardoverman809]

Thank you for speaking on this and approaching it the way you did. I see so many pastors and Christians who either embrace it or are indifferent on it.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@richardoverman809]

@@ktermalkut8332 What do you mean by many reject it? Is there a source you’re referring to?

[@ktermalkut8332]

@@richardoverman809 what is the "it?" Did I refer to THE BAPTISM OR INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT as set out in the WORD OF GOD under Acts 2:38-39 as "it?"

[@richardoverman809]

@@ktermalkut8332 So you don’t have a source?

[@ktermalkut8332]

@@richardoverman809 of what? Your response was not clear and you continue to be vague - which is LYING. All heretics lie. The LORD JESUS called satan the father of lies. Be clear and I will answer you.

[@cindydavis2636]

I love what he said about exhausting scripture.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@shelley6690]

Hey guys, keep in mind the context of your conversation is the USA. Not every Christian in other countries think like this :)

[@SeanMcDowell]

That’s true. Thanks for the reminder!

[@cathyc1730]

Do you ever want anything besides THE WORD OF GOD leading and guiding you?

[@peterfox7663]

Using the Bible as our ultimate authority doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't learn from resources other than the Bible.

[@cathyc1730]

@@peterfox7663 i didn’t say that, you shouldn’t assume.

[@cathyc1730]

@Gary Allen that has nothing to do with what I said.

[@ktermalkut8332]

do you have the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE EVIDENCE OF PRAYING IN OTHER TONGUES? Acts 2:38, reading from verse 36 to 39, Acts 10: 44-48, Acts 19:1-6, 1Corinthians 14 - for FOUR uses/manifestations of TONGUES.

[@veronicaspencelocke2003]

Actually when it comes to both “leading” and “guiding” I don’t think we need anything other than God’s word, the Bible should be our, ‘fact checker’ so to speak, and the final say for Christians but in other regards I’m sure you would want extra things/books etc though…

[@brawlins6]

Excellent video. This is becoming a big problem within evangelical circles.

[@BricktowneMedia]

Evangellica circles ARE a big problem.

[@veronicaspencelocke2003]

@@BricktowneMedia Then why are you here at all?

[@yvonneginidaho5749]

Enneagram and personality tests focus on “old man nature” and taming that rather than growing as a new creature in Christ.

[@varghj2006]

Spot on!

[@andrewcramer9200]

Yeah and they don't even do a good job of that. Mindboggling people are so into them.

[@tankfu1]

/eye roll - People who take enneagram (or ANY personality test) seriously also take their buzzfeed "what kind of kitchen appliance are you?" survey seriously.

[@tonybasoni8443]

TF,.....Yes, correct, no actual Christian would ever have anything to do with this. Only those that think they are Christians do and are deceived by this worldly nonsense.

[@andrewcramer9200]

Some people really do take those things deathly serious (even occasionally the buzzfeed junk), and it's rather depressing.

[@staceyposey4929]

Thank you both for this interview! Gosh, I'm disturbed! Sharing with my subscribers (Christian moms). ⏰

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@Chancho3232]

what are you disturbed by?

[@johneepraveenr6274]

Yea, when I took the test I realized that it is absolutely works based which is totally the opposite of the Christ Centered Gospel

[@darth_hideous]

they have so many books behind them that it kinda looks like one continuous background

[@horseman4now]

Observant! Kind of puffed up, though, to use the books as background in order to impress us with their supposed wisdom.

[@audyharrison]

The fact that Richard Rohr promotes the enneagram, lets me know to stay away from it.

[@Faithgal24]

The "accuracy" of the enneogram goes back to one on Sean's videos that asks if Satan knows our thoughts. Sean believes he does not, but that his great intellect and long time studying humans, allows him to read us like a book. I would say it should give us pause since this knowledge was received from automatic writing, it seems clear that is would seem/feel correct because it comes from a master in studying us and who's objective is to lead us away from God how ever he can.

[@philo3407]

I left a small group over this, "God can take a bad thing and make it good." Was the answer I got 😐

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Fascinating and very helpful. Thanks so much.

[@lesleybarnes2811]

Dr Berg was so helpful thanks

[@vixen7774]

I’m a Christian and I just use the enneagram just like MBTI ..just a typology,a way of understanding others better. The origin may be off but if we applied this logic with other things we’d do nothing because most things have a not so pleasant origin. I wish you got Dr.Tom Lahue (he has KZbin channel) to give his perspective on the enneagram, he’s Christian and a pastor.

[@andrewcramer9200]

There's a huge flaw in your thinking. Typology is considered an absolutely awful way to "understand others better". Annie Murphy Paul, not a Christian as far as I know, wrote a book called "Cult of Personality Tests" that explains in detail WHY these "tests" cause people to MISUNDERSTAND each other. Carl Jung literally wrote the book on Typology, and he arrived at his theories thereof by a series of occult and/or downright stupid practices including, but not limited to, the ancient Chinese "I Ching" divination method, ouija boards, horoscopes, "induced hallucinations", and of course the big one, the voice in his he called "Philemon" that told Carl, among many other things, that he (Carl) was, in fact Christ, and that the name of the highest God is Abraxas (in gnostic false religion, Abraxas is the Worm King of the Earth, also known as Satan). So with all due respect, if Tom Lahue thinks this is Christian, he is not very bright, at best extremely lazy in his research.

[@vixen7774]

@@andrewcramer9200 I can only speak for myself and I find it very helpful because I used it in a way that acknowledge it isn’t perfect or it give you the full picture ,for example it wouldn’t fill in certain blanks about people which is why I have to use both enneagram and MBTI because it’s a even deeper subset of each type. I don’t know much about Carl so I’m not gonna speak on him but what conclusion where you trying to make about him ?that he was a person who did something similar to enneagram and it made him “crazy” or ? Also even astrology has truth in it because out of the 8 billion people on earth so there is bound to be at LEAST 1 % of the population who fit in pretty well with the sign they were born in.Even atheist use Enneagram ,because they are some non religious verses which is the one I sue because it separate from Christianity.

[@soledisciple]

It has been challenging for me to accept my church using this tool now that I know its origin. But my Pastor has drawn a clear line in the sand. He is using it even if we disagree. I'm a little torn up but believe God has another ministry for me to move on to. Please pray for me and my family. Its tough times is this is the last thing I need right now. But I can't stick around while my Pastor is using occultic tools. God's kingdom and Satan's don't mix.

[@thestraightroad305]

It’s a struggle to try to find a healthy church body! God bless you in your search. May God open this pastor’s eyes and grant him repentance.

[@soledisciple]

@@thestraightroad305 Thx I love the Pastor and I pray God opens his eyes too. It just scares me because If faithful men like him get deceived, where does that place me on the vulnerability scale? It's frustrating but I leave it in God's hands.

[@lmm-op7em]

respectfully, I just don't see the argument Dr. Berg is making. I pray God convicts me over the enneagram if need be. But to imply I shouldn't look to any other book because we have the bible is silliness. I affirm sola scriptura, scripure is authoritative in my life and it is always the first thing I consult to gain insight or wisdom - but i still read other books. I think it is a stretch to say enneagram is a religion. Most every believer that I know that looks at it doesn't even own a book, they maybe look at an instagram post about their number and giggle at how relatable it is. If new age is so intertwined with enneagram, then why are SO many unbelievers completely unaware of that? I have NEVER seen a believer in my church (we are PCA for reference) learn about panentheism, cosmic enneagram energy, sin being a state of ignorance, or a new way of sanctification apart from scripture. Most of my friends probably don't even know these phrases. Obviously every believer should be aware of potential idols and if you're checking your enneagram more than you seek God or scripture, that is OBVIOUSLY a problem - but 99% of people that I know that use it have successfully removed it from the new age influences Dr. Berg is discussing. I also would be appalled to see a church using it at the pulpit but this is just not what im seeing in my circles. and no, I'm not enraged. My number is not my identity, my identity is in Christ alone. Has Dr. Berg successfully cleansed his life of every practice, trend, and behavior that may have been influenced by a different religion even if he is wholly unaware? I just do not see myself or the people around me using it in this way or the enneagram becoming a pervasive part of their life. to me this seems like a rejecting-meat-prepared-by-idols issue. I would totally agree with everything Dr. Berg is saying IF I saw people using it the way he says they are, but this just is not what I have observed in the Christian circles I am in. It sounds like halloween in my opinion. Many faithful believers let their kid dress up as a bumble bee and get candy despite the origins, culture of halloween, etc. we would probably not accuse them of idolatry - now, if they're obsessed with gore, scary things, darkness, spirits etc. that would be super problematic. Dr. Berg says would I take personality advice from a demon, by this logic, I feel I should reject every single thing an unbeliever says because they may be being influenced by a demon - but as he aforementioned, a lot of the stuff is like: you should exercise! yes, that is glorifying to God and so I should.

[@zakryan2013]

Did he just suggest we should not read any book but the Bible because we could spend the time reading and learning from the Bible? What does that say about the book that he wrote?

[@jenjohn3590]

Nope. Not his point. He is saying more specifically, when seeking something to transform your life, maybe the Bible, “alive, active, and sharper than a double edged sword” might be the place to spend our time in order to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind,” by God’s word-as opposed to works based self-transformation.

[@theuncoveredlamp]

I took the test once because it was the main topic of conversation at a bible study party. Didn't sit right so totally tossed it aside and then researched it. Now as a single person searching for someone, I put someone one having their enneagram number as a bigger red flag than having their astrological sign in it.

[@andrewcramer9200]

I stopped talking to a woman because her pastor was talking about the Enneagram in church, I asked her why they were using a system that upon a 5-second google I could already tell was completely nonsensical, and she FLIPPED OUT. You would think I told her that her mother was a Nazi war criminal (she wasn't, just for the record). It was unreal. I did find out she is studying for her Master's in Psychology so I am hopeful that she is forced to study psychometrics now and realizes that even actual, working psychologists think the Enneagram is incredibly stupid (the Enneagram was actually deemed the second-most discredited "personality test" in 2015 by a poll of mental health experts only behind some test I've never even heard of). It's really hard to find women who don't have their zodiac, Enneagram number or MBTI type (that one is also problematic in origin, but you may already know that).

[@idagreenwood6571]

It’s like yoga. Who do you want to yoke with?

[@sharroon7574]

Yeah it could be called yoka! I know the meaning of yoga btw😌

[@spiritoftruthoutreach7633]

I agree, it is very similar to yoga! In fact, Christian Yoga is the other New Age practice I analyze in my book!

[@rachelsalex]

This is so insightful, thank you for making us aware of the dangers of this...

[@kristyleavitt8007]

Awesome discussion! Thank you!

[@jennifernihongi9696]

Loved this and learned so much! Will definitely pick up this book plus the other one about Richard Rohr and exposing the dangers of the Ennegram. I have written a blog just going through the background of it, but would definitely like to write an updated version of it at some point based on what I heard here. Thank you so much for these conversations Sean, I have been learning so much from them!!! :) ❤❤

[@spiritoftruthoutreach7633]

It's so nice to meet someone else who is actively writing on this topic! Let me know if I can support you in your writing!

[@jennifernihongi9696]

@@spiritoftruthoutreach7633, really??? That would be great! What would be your advice on how to approach it and how to research on it?

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with this nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@lindas2917]

Listen again to 15:00 - 18:00 minutes. Dr Berg clarifies what I agree is the main stumbling block in the enneagram practice : inability of the practice to maintain a sense of ever finding peace. It is “works” based and does not account for the sin nature that plagues us. It reminds me of Kabbalah. There is no end to the undoing necessary for past lives, for future incarnations, and for the troubled primary intimate relationships we all experience or have experienced. Utopia will not occur no matter how hard we try. But, we as Christians are assured of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s eternal word to guide our current life choices and situations. My experience has been that the Enneagram produces an unintended obsession with self, and also a dependence on others to be self aware and also constantly improving. CS Lewis wrote, “Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” C. S. Lewis

[@shespeaks3834]

I can honestly say I have never heard of "Enneagram" before, not one time until watching this video.

[@edplaster9802]

Good discussion. Thank you for the thoughtful, biblical examination of this issue. You've provided us much to chew on. Thank you again. As to personality tests in general, The Gospel is about transformation. If I place myself into a personality box, I inhibit the active work of The Holy Spirit to make me new. I have turned the New Testament into a self-help book, rather than a revelation of God's mercy and holiness at work in me through Christ our friend and Lord. In my own attempt to live a better Christian life I have pursued strategies, techniques and instruction, thinking these will make me a better "Christian". I do this because simply believing is incredibly hard.

[@patticarey9016]

There's one thing Dr. Berg is missing which I believe would make his case airtight. Around 32 minutes, he mentions that he doesn't know if Christian are simply using it to find out their number or if they are reading the whole book and implementing the core beliefs of the eineagram. For his doctoral research, he should have designed and included data from a questionnaire to actually get that data. He could have had the Barna Group help him with that. Just a thought.

[@johnkennedy68]

Search for! Jesus, we need You now more than ever!

[@spiritoftruthoutreach7633]

I actually contacted Barna to see if we could do that survey! Unfortunately, it would have cost me 30K, so I had to forgo it. We've reached that many views, so maybe everyone could donate a dollar so we can get that done?? ;)

[@HoldToChrist]

Watched this video 4 times through already, as my pastor at my college is wanting to use this for our intern group. Figuring things out. Definitely buying his book.

[@bergchris1000]

if you would like to schedule time to discuss the material feel free to reach out and we can connect!

[@claudiaperfetti7694]

Around 31 minutes, I agree completely with what this person asked as I have engaged with the eneagram years ago and it was very helpful as a way to understand myself. It will give a lot of insight to someone who is underdeveloped in his personality, and not mature enough spiritually.

[@aprilhamblin4314]

What does it mean to be underdeveloped in ones personality? Are you saying it helped mature you spiritually? How so? The Bible says only God does this. We pursue the fruit of the Spirit but God is the one who gives us these gifts. All we must so is ask. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:22‭-‬26 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

[@ktermalkut8332]

If you claim to BE SAVED IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST obey HIS WORD and seek Him as your ONLY Teacher - Matthew 23:8-10 99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@littleboots9800]

@@ktermalkut8332 Caps lock and copy pasting comments in threads where they are irrelevant to the original post almost garuntees you will be ignored and considered a little nutty. It is ineffective as well as annoying. Try just having a conversation.

[@ktermalkut8332]

@@littleboots9800I have got several SUBSTANTIAL responses which means there are people who read the comments. satan always causes those he holds to IGNORE THE TRUTH or think it is stupid, and the demons in them cause them to HATE to read anything that will set them free. They need DELIVERANCE from the demons in them and that will be as their heart is, before THE LORD GOD. Are you BORN AGAIN after REPENTING first and Baptized with The HOLY SPIRIT with the EVIDENCE of speaking in other TONGUES? That is the ONLY way to obey the WORD OF GOD to RECEIVE The HOLY SPIRIT - not the LIES taught by several denominations. The Scripture is Acts 2:38-39 reading from verse 36. Those who are in the LIES of the enemy will often say TONGUES is gibberish NOT knowing the WORD OF THE LORD that tells us He has make the WISDOM OF HUMANS FOOLISHNESS. a COMMON PLOY of the enemy is to make people DENY The LORD GOD and to make them accept his DEMONIC stranglehold on their lives as what is acceptable.

[@littleboots9800]

@@ktermalkut8332 maybe you could have got more if you had employed a different approach? I didn't read past your first paragraph due to the CAPS. It's hectoring and breaks the rhythm of the sentence often. Just advice. Take it or leave it. I'm sure you'll leave it though as you are apparently of the only 0.0001%, (your stats,) that has knowledge of the truth and I get the impression you don't really want to expand your little club.

[@beaulin5628]

Thank you for this report. I did not know what it was. God has already given believers everything we need: "According as his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" 2 Peter 1:3 "And ye are COMPLETE in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" Colossians 2:10

[@pamm2652]

Got a enneagram ad before this video. 🤣

[@thatday5070]

Great work.. Mindfulness is another false hope..

[@dagwould]

Mindfulness is yet another outing of American version of Hinduism. Prayer is always 'mindful'. Why would Christians with the riches of our traditions, teaching and the word of God want to adopt a Buddhist practice?

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@thatday5070]

@@ktermalkut8332 I think the Holy Spirit is welcomed in the west at least Australia.. and large proportion of the USA Canada and movement like Hillsong and Catch the Fire has done a lot to encourage that. but we don’t experience His fullness because our lives are too busy and we don’t make the sacrifices of prayer and fasting ... that’s needed to effectively cooperate with Him...but yes the west does have a significant proportion of that don’t enjoy His fullness... nor want it..

[@lynghee159]

Bingo...works based, just like every other "religiousity" group vs a personal relationship w God, Jesus, Holy Spirit. Great program - thanks!

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@KeepJC1st]

The Enneagram and the way we've used it has been very helpful to our church staff and ministry team in learning to work together and understanding our different personalities and how we approach tasks. The extremes that Dr. Berg points out have not even figured into our use of it.

[@aprilhamblin4314]

How does it help? Do you think it would also be good leadership to show unity through Christ's love and the fruits of the Spirit? I wonder what it brings to the table that the Bible doesn't. I guess my concern is that we are supposed to be diverse yes, different, but unified in Christ's love. This seems sort of like a way to separate people more and is as if personality is an unchanging rock. Jesus is our rock. Personality appears to be fluid, as in my life. What if you are not stumbling into the extremes but someone in your flock does?

[@ravissary79]

You'd do better to use the spiritual gifts in a two part exploration of motivation vs calling. One of the lists Paul gives is less miraculous and more focused on office... like having the gift of mercy. This is an actually USEFUL way of exploring personal spiritual enrichment I'm light of God's revelation.

[@ktermalkut8332]

YOU ARE DECEIVED - 2Corinthians 4:4. satan can appear as a messenger of truth but is a LIAR FROM THE BEGINNING - 2Corinthians 11:14 DID THE LORD JESUS TELL YOU TO DO WHAT YOU CLAIM IS HELPING? Get SAVED under Acts 2:38 and get into a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD JESUS so that you can write saying that THE LORD JESUS TOLD YOU SUCH AND SUCH. 99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@lydiabouts8572]

You should be acting as a shepherd to your flock, keeping New Age tools away from them. I'd repent from that if I were you. Have nothing to do with it.

[@Chancho3232]

Makes sense Keith. These are the same people who think if their kids play with yugioh cards that they're trying to summon actual demons. The personality descriptions are accurate, psychology and the study of human psyche is real, it's just a tool for people to better understand themselves and others.

[@kathreenmargaret1883]

Thanks much. Great job by both of you. 🙏🌷 Many years ago I was “messed up in Astrology” so found your conversation very interesting.

[@radiantheartwoman]

This guy just nailed every point I've been trying to tell all my Christian circles!!! He nailed it with Grace and truth! My favorite christian rebuttal just like his is "...but God redeems everything" 😅 no he does not!

[@guyfeldman4404]

I've given this some thought..emotionally and rationally for me first prize would definitely be the universal redemption thing. I was amazed to find that Universalism was a predominant stance of the Church in the first 400 years. There have been some comprehensive books written which(imo)make a good case.

[@dagwould]

That's why Churches rarely have evangelical brothel crawls.

[@gigahorse1475]

“God redeems everything!” What kind of baloney is that? 😂

[@ladyshandbagorpurse6090]

Don't forget that Paul, in some of his epistles, addresses the reality that "theological wolves" were already finding their way into the church; spreading insidious, and heretical ideas all the way back to the very beginning of the initial establishment of Christ's Church. When it comes to the theology of some of the early church fathers such as Origen and Gregory of Nyssa; keep in mind that these were men who were largely informed by man's wisdom or philosophy. Just look into it for yourself pray and really press in, and I know that God will reveal the truth to you through His Holy Spirit. The true Universalist will eventually find themselves in the EXCEEDINGLY twisted perspective that the devil himself, and all of his demonic fallen cohorts will ultimately HAVE TO BE SAVED! Panantheism is the ONLY way this all works and that is absolutely antithetical to God's true nature! No, Universalism is Pierre Chardin "Omega Point" level heresy. Run RUN AWAY FROM IT! How does a Universalist explain the message of the epistle Hebrews?

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@riverhousemouse]

Just now found this on KZbin. Thanks so much guys!!

[@usasoldierforchrist1020]

Great job, Dr. Berg! Thank you, sir.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with this nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@OldTimerGarden]

I've never heard of this before. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@mrappe51]

The KZbin ad on this episode was a ad for the enneagram

[@staceyposey4929]

Creepy

[@bevp7838]

Don’t you just have to laugh sometimes at the lengths u-toob will go to! I see this everywhere, most notably in front of every video that might question the official authorized narrative about the woo flu.

[@Batya-Grace]

Yeah but, I don’t think Sean has any control over what ads are played. I certainly don’t think it should be monetized while knowing that those ads are being played. I love watching his interviews though.

[@claudiaperfetti7694]

@Gary Allen It's an algorithm. Not a choice

[@juliegray3949]

I am so glad to hear you say this. Even my friend who is a Christian counselor who was educated at a Christian university is calling this a personality tool. Isn’t the Holy Spirit in us bigger than any self fulfilling prophecy that the enneagram might offer? And what about sanctification?

[@johnkennedy68]

Search for! Jesus, we need You now more than ever!

[@spiritoftruthoutreach7633]

You raise a very important point! There are many Christian universities that have embraced the enneagram and many Christians originally find it in the university setting. It is my hope that my work will cause people to be more critical of this practice before they adopt it.

[@tonybasoni8443]

JG,......If anything/anyone is called Christian, then you can be sure it has nothing to do with God/Jesus and actual Christianity. The entire church is 100% apostate and has nothing to do with God/Jesus. The church is of the Godless world, and sells the God hating worlds false manmade religion of scientism they call Christianity, it is not. It is counterfeit (antichrist).

[@tonybasoni8443]

@@spiritoftruthoutreach7633 ,.....All Christian universities, and everything called Christian is not. It is all nothing but the buying and selling of the God hating worlds religion of scientism. The entire church is nothing but an indoctrination center to snare everyone into a 100% false, counterfeit (antichrist) Christianity. There are no Christians in the church, only the uncalled, unsaved, blind, lost, and deceived people of the Godless world.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@MerBlack]

Gotta be like the Bereans and investigate these practices against scripture before jumping-in 🙏🏼

[@rebeccag6759]

Another book I would highly recommend reading and adding to this is the cult of personality. It breaks down the origins of Myer Briggs, the disc test, ink, blots, and more. Eye opening for sure and totally agree with everything. You stated in this video.

[@rebeccametz3100]

What a nice man. His smile is infectious! 😊

[@Gashd820]

This was great, thanks gents for giving us a great deal to mull over.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@hardymasonj]

I've listened to Sean be interviewed and have a discussion on either Remnant Radio or Mike Winger's channel, but his interviewing here is crazy impressive.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with this nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@truecounterphobia2418]

Dr. Berg! I really appreciate you pointing out the dark side of the Enneagram. Though I haven't academically studied personality tests, I was involved with them for many years. What I came to realize is that if you dig, you will find most personality tests are embedded with Spiritual beliefs. For example, Jung, where Myers Briggs comes from, studied much of the Occult even though he considered himself an Atheist. I would advise against pretty much all personality tests because pretty much all of them have Spiritual undertones.

[@FalconOfStorms]

Jung was a nut, but so were a lot of people who were on to something. The cognitive functions, when you get down to it, are just about the physical structure of the human brain. It certainly helps me understand why I have to be a contrarian and skeptic about everything.

[@dagwould]

Spot on! The cult of personality tests is derived from Jung's pagan notions almost entirely. There is also an element of vacuity in thinking that there is a personality 'type' that one might have. I think the scriptures enjoin us to treat each other honourably and as people gifted by the indwelling (but not co-identical) Spirit, not as a 'type'. Any knowledge of one's 'type' is fake knowledge and goes nowhere except to narcissism.

[@truecounterphobia2418]

@@dagwould You seem to know the same thing I do. It's good we have confirmed this from two perspectives of testimony. Perhaps others will take more note now that you have added to the conversation.

[@claudiaperfetti7694]

@@FalconOfStormsfunny!

[@claudiaperfetti7694]

@@dagwould You just might be right. But descriptions of types many times do help understand oneself and others. Te more immature you are the more you fit into a given type. The more mature you become you have all the virtues and none of the vices, so you don't "fit" any type. It's amazing to see this.

[@CS-tc1mz]

The question you have to ask is: if you depart the enneagram from the theology, then is it effective. E.g., yoga. Yoga is effective physically, if you extract it from the theology. I think Marsha made a good point in that she made the case that the enneagram isn’t even effective psychology, per psychologists. Per Dr. Berg’s case, I think one can still make the case the enneagram is effective as a personality profiling if you extract it from its theology.

[@FalconOfStorms]

Enneagram is extremely surface level when you think about it. It doesn't tell you anything about yourself that you didn't already know. The Peacekeeper type is my favorite example. You don't really need a test to know if you're the kind of person focused on avoiding conflict.

[@JayMedenwaldt]

Christian, Marcia has referred to my work on the enneagram from a psychological perspective. I don't think Dr. Berg is aware of the science related to it so he's stayed away from arguing that it doesn't actually work and just takes people's word for it. Here's more info if you're interested. www.jaymedenwaldt.com/2019/01/the-enneagram-science-and-christianity.html

[@Batya-Grace]

Yeah but, do you really want to walk the fence with God? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Once you have the fear of the Lord, (reverence, respect) you will hate all things that draw you away from God or, anything that offers non biblical growth.

[@peterfox7663]

@@Batya-Grace How is coming to an understanding of your tendencies and learning strategies for interacting with other personality types drawing you away from God?

[@Batya-Grace]

@@peterfox7663 ...Simply learning about your tendencies is not a sin. We can avoid sin that way so, it’s a good thing. How we go about changing is the key. Are we looking to our own strength or the Holy Spirit. The bible says the heart is desperately wicked. We cannot change ourselves. Our best effort is filthy rags to God but, if we come to him humbly and say Lord, I want to honor you but, I can’t do this on my own. Please change me. Please give me your hearts desire. Please help me love truth and hate sin. We can learn to recognize our flaws and tendencies for avoiding situations that would cause us to sin but, beyond that, it’s all just human works, not faith works. God tells is in his word to not make provisions for the flesh. If someone is prone to alcoholism, they shouldn’t go to bars or parties where there will be alcohol. In terms of interacting. God tells us to love others. That covers all personality types. Of course love is not always fluffy. Sometimes the truth offends but, God wants us to teach in love, gentleness. He wants us to show mercy, grace and compassion. I know I haven’t mastered it but, it’s not supposed to be mastered in human strength. We are supposed to be led by the Holy Spirit.

[@julesj5853]

I've had discussions with a couple of people I know who have fallen for the eneagram and their excuse is that "God can use anything for his glory." I recognized this as new age right away and warned them against it. It absolutely breaks my heart that people in the church is being decieved by this. The bible is sufficient enough !

[@user-qs8wh7fj8v]

I’ve found the enneagram remarkably accurate and insightful in understanding myself. I would recommend it highly.

[@tonybasoni8443]

G,.....You are a 100% ungodly, God hating, blind, lost, and deceived person of the God hating world. Your place will be in the lake of fire with all the others like you. You have been deceived.

[@user-qs8wh7fj8v]

@@tonybasoni8443 Sadly, I don't think your rage is correct here ;)

[@tonybasoni8443]

@@user-qs8wh7fj8v ,.....I have no rage, or anger, just laying out the truth for you, sounding the trumpet of warning. You are promoting a 100% ungodly, antibiblical, false religion. The Bible tells us that the lake of fire awaits those like you. I have tried to make that clear to you for your edification.

[@andrewcramer9200]

Psychologists will gladly tell you why you think it is accurate, and it has everything to do with our brains loving shortcuts and avoiding critical thinking. The Enneagram does not help you understand yourself, it gives you a framework to excuse your poor behavior that is based entirely on circular reasoning ("I know I'm a #5 because I behave this way, and I behave this way because I'm a #5!"). On April 25, 2014, Koocher et al released the results of a poll done among 150 mental health experts who all agreed the Enneagram is the second most-discredited "tool" available behind only the Szondi test which I have never heard mentioned by anyone ever outside of this context. That should speak volumes, but gnosticism is a heck of a drug.

[@user-qs8wh7fj8v]

I’ve found the enneagram very insightful and accurate too!

[@denvaz68]

I am learning about the enneagram in seminary this semester and I am skeptical about it. Thank you for this video🙏

[@emaleespringfield1424]

This really helped me, I have a cousin and a friend who are into this (both Christians) and though I personally felt highly uncomfortable with it, this has given me tools to approach them. Thank you both so much! Also, I found the personality descriptions from Debbie Pearl to be very useful: she noticed that the three persons of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Spirit) seem to be played out by three different corresponding personalities in men and also in women. I was grateful to find a Christian-based personality description, and I hope someone else finds this useful! :) Of course, as Christians, we should always be sure we will not be displeasing God individually when we go to describe ourselves with these tests. Thank God for the Holy Spirit, who comes to lead us into Truth!

[@carolinesweet7983]

I literally got an ad for the enneagram before this video

[@pjbostic]

If you wouldn’t seek advice from a Ouija board why would you seek advice from the Enneagram which came from automatic writing? I really don’t understand why so many Christians want to hold onto their Enneagram so tightly.

[@littleboots9800]

Most people find themselves to be the most interesting topic in the world. It doesn't surprise me that they're drawn to this.

[@deannagrider7643]

Interestingly, when I brought this up on KZbin, it was preceded by an ad for the use of the enneagram by a therapist. Thank you, Sean. I have a 'mile long' list of books to read coming from your interviews!

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with this nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@desertrose0601]

This was fascinating. I had only ever heard of the enneagram as “the Christian personality test”. I had no idea there was a whole New Age worldview behind it! 😲

[@nutricoach7947]

Thank you both for this helpful interview.

[@suehamblin9652]

This was very helpful. Thanks so much.

[@Gillsystems]

Never seen your channel, never heard of this thing....63 minutes later..wow...great work guys. Granted, I don't do social media..but glad I've never heard of this. And yes, would share this vid with anyone who ever mentions it..God bless guys...Can't wait to check out more stuff.

[@adultingfl]

Thank you this was very educational and thoughtful.

[@catrineljones516]

Amazing work Dr. Chris Berg

[@barrycook6603]

The goal of our Christian faith should never be viewed as a path to self realization, or even self improvement. As Christians our job is to forsake our own desires and strive to lift up the names of Jesus. I’ve been in far too many Bible studies where the application of scripture is focused on self improvement over worship.

[@jonathancuzner3881]

I never heard of the Enneagram before this discussion but, amazingly, I have recently been diving into phenomena pertaining to mind-body relationship. There are natural phenomena that have been happening throughout human history that we in the post enlightenment era have not fully looked at with academic rigor. When Dr. Berg points to the 2017 poll of protestants that believe in things related to "New Age" topics like reincarnation and psychic energy he is acknowledging a gap in knowledge not only in the church but in the rest of humanity. I believe investigating these areas with rigor can build faith in Jesus while avoiding new age philosophies of human divinity. After all we are all spirit, each one of us, entangled in a mortal body. To put it another way, we are all spirit in jars of clay.

[@ktermalkut8332]

YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND SPIRITUAL TRUTH with your human reasoning - Romans 8:5-8. That is the FOUNDATION OF SATANIC LIES! read also 1Corinthians 2:4-16,

[@rebeccag6759]

There’s no gap - we are a 3 part being - body, spirit, soul. The only way we should be tapping into the “spirit realm” is in submission to the Holy Spirit, through the Holy Spirit, as He wills. Without the Holy Spirit, who is the one who leads and guides us into all truth, we are acting independently and delving into the demonic plain & simple.

[@fraukeschmidt8364]

I hadn't even heard of this until earlier today when I watched an interview with a lady called Jenn who was saved out of the occult.

[@deejay7759]

My son was introduced to the Enneagram at an Assembly of God (Pentecostal!) Bible college. He was all in. Later he found out it’s origins and has since realized it’s not good.

[@Crusader9158]

It sounds like you’re using the book that one guy wrote as evidence when the enneagram predates him and his book. You can make a cult around anything. Nothing I’ve read about the enneagram has ever been spiritual.

[@mystrength5640]

Dr. Berg says otherwise!

[@aprilhamblin4314]

What about the Holy Ideas sections of enneagram?

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with the nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@ktermalkut8332]

@Debra Charles how many christian sects teach about the BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES and Baptism in water IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST? so far ONLY the United Pentecostal church and groups outside that system like the LAST REFORMATION. I did not specifically refer to those who were NOT under the influence of roman catholicism (unmistakably the harlot of babylon mentioned in Revelation 18) that we are commanded to flee, where and do not celebrate the pagan feasts of christmas easter etc.?

[@s.dlcruz8542]

Evidence is always taken from previous data....often on books.....that obviously have to be written before they are used as evidence.....that is literally the way research works.

[@mariec8417]

Thank you for doing this! So well-informed & so thorough without being heavy-handed.

[@nodrugstorewoman]

This is awesome. I have been very suspicious, hearing fellow Christians refer to the enniegram, and seeing new age chords!!! It is a distraction and quite dangerous.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with this nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@thestoneclarksville]

(only partially through) the "I don't care of it's origins" may not simply be pragmatism, but a resistance to committing a genetic fallacy. Something's origin does not determine if it's claims or true or not. Other cultures used circumcision, doesn't mean it's automatically pagan, as obviously God commanded it to the Jewish people or automatically sinful (I am currently against the using the enneagram, and the more I dig in, the stronger that feelings grows, but I want to thank carefully about any truth claim and engaging with others who disagree)

[@andrewcramer9200]

I have to say, the Genetic Fallacy does not really apply, because the source (Jung, Naranjo, Ichazo, Gurdjieff et al) is legitimately UNRELIABLE, and that's part of the GF (source: the Logic of Science blog). It is not the same thing as saying, for example, "I won't drive VW because the company was started by Hitler." A car is a car, it has empirically proven practical application, and Hitler did not invent the automobile. So while I would not argue with someone who is uneasy about buying a car from a company started by everybody's favorite historical monster, that fact does not mean Volkswagen's don't do the job intended. But because the Enneagram makes claims about our spiritual being, and those theories orignated from men like the aforementioned Carl Jung, George Gurdjieff, Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo, all of whom practiced every ridiculous cult activity known to man ("induced hallucinations" and/or drug use, Theosophy, ancient Chinese "I Ching" divination, horoscopes/astrology, automatic writing and spirit contact, probably other things I'm forgetting), when people try to retreat to the Genetic Fallacy in DEFENSE of the Enneagram (which I have seen), that in itself is a misunderstanding of the fallacy. Every single activity engaged in to arrive at theories of Typology in general and the Enneagram itself is forbidden in the Bible. The ends do not justify the means, and in this case the ends are certifiably stupid to begin with (source: the vast majority of experts in personality and mental health, such as it is). TL;DR: If a person has legitimate and relevant concerns about the origin/source, the Genetic Fallacy is not being committed.

[@oprophetisfake9482]

I think even the Myers Briggs can be limiting. It can lead you to classify you as one thing and judge yourself by that for all time. If you use it as Dr Chris Berg describes here and do not let it definite you for all time and understand that you can change and grow in other other traits to make yourself a more rounded individual.

[@tonybasoni8443]

OPIF,.......You have spoken 100% unbiblical nonsense, and have shown yourself to be totally outside of the kingdom of God.

[@andrewcramer9200]

MBTI is equally problematic in origin and original purpose. Carl Jung developed "typology" as a means of "Individuation" which he defined as realizing the "God within". By trying to improve your "cognitive functions" (which do not exist, by the way, and no, Dario Nardi did not "prove" they did, he used a weak brain scan, EEG, which can be easily manipulated, and far too few test subjects to "prove" it in any meaningful way, did not release his findings for peer review, and has been basically ignored or laughed at by people I trust who actually know about that stuff), you can get in touch with your FIFTH (and still non-existent) function! Or something like that. This is the same theory of occultists of long ago, that the Earth is dominated by 4 elements ("functions") and all are tied together by The Fifth Element (yes, that is what the Bruce Willis movie was all about, if anyone remembers that). The Fifth Element in this context is sometimes called "the trickster function", or "ether", or any number of other stupid names that I forget right now. Jung's theories were the inspiration of the mother-daughter Myers-Briggs team, and the MBTI Institute's current mission statement is to "make the theories of Carl Jung accessible to everyone". Why would we want to do that? That's stupid. Jung was a cult leader, the MBTI is insipid drivel. To hopefully drive my point home, Paul wrote in Colossians 2:8 "Do not be taken captive by vain deceit and hollow philosophy based on the tradition of men and the elemental spiritual forces of this world". Remember that Bruce Willis movie I just mentioned? That's what Paul is telling you to ignore. Paul told you thousands of years ago that things like MBTI are "vain deceit and hollow philosophy".

[@oprophetisfake9482]

@@andrewcramer9200 Thank you for your warning about the philosophy and beliefs even behind the Myers Briggs supposed personality type test. Indeed we have to be even more diligent in these times to avoid being taken captive by such thinking and philosophy.

[@marionchase-kleeves8311]

The "Camp Fire" burnt down Paradise, CA and several communities in 2018. We are still suffering from it and the city council's draconian measures

[@thestraightroad305]

Great point.

[@Esteronja]

Psalm 8:5 AMPC "Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor". Jer.33: 3 "Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand)".

[@emiliaroldan6602]

Now I can articulate what I saw in Peter Scazzero's book !!! He never mentions the Enneagram but the whole concept is there all the way

[@dbrownaz]

Also, is there a red flag in this title… “How Christians Should Think About……” ?? Maybe!

[@robertpreisser3547]

Don’t understand what you are trying to say, here.

[@dbrownaz]

@@robertpreisser3547 I am just wondering about the notion of this category… one person or group determining how another should think. I understanding presenting your case but question what seems controlling.

[@krstnmarie3]

@@dbrownaz They're trying to warn people, not control them

[@feedyourhead731]

Yes anytime a Christian says stay away from this or that, it's a cult or brainwashing, you can suspect a heavy element of projection. 'don't just believe anything you hear, believe what I tell you.'

[@robertpreisser3547]

@@feedyourhead731 I think you have a false stereotype of Christians. How do you think that Christians define faith? How you answer that will tell me if you understand Christianity.

[@annettehauck4429]

Grateful. Thank you for these insights.

[@ktermalkut8332]

99.9999% of the so called christians in the west REJECT THE HOLY SPIRIT baptism that the LORD JESUS FOUND VERY IMPORTANT - read Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, manifested as the POWER in Acts 2, with SALVATION in Acts 2:38-39. That includes mcdowell. While I don't agree with this nonsense, for someone like mcdowell to critically examine the issue is like the pot calling the kettle black!

[@annettehauck4429]

@@ktermalkut8332 I disagree w your 99.9999%. Praise God there is an awakening and that number is falling. I can glean wisdom from all sorts of resources who are themselves imperfect, just like you and me. God bless.

[@ktermalkut8332]

@@annettehauck4429 so have you obeyed the MANDATE of THE LORD GOD which is His WORD under Acts 2:38? Did you get BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES? or do you have your own opinion? The LORD JESUS IS HIS WORD - Revelation 19:13, John 1:1. Those who hate or dismiss His WORD hate Him - John 8:44, When you refer to "god" are you referring to the whole gamut of "gods" like the 33milion indian ones to who my ancestors were in bondage?

[@corybagby5970]

We can overthink many things this may be one. I think it’s more important to be concerned on the things that matter like the death and resurrection of our Lord. “ I’m not saying it good doctor is wrong.” I’m just saying most people don’t dig that deep into it.

[@krstnmarie3]

I understand where you're coming from and it may seem like a trivial subject matter, but unfortunately a lot of people do dig that deep into it and I personally know several. It's become incredibly pervasive in Christian churches while being rooted in the occult so...pretty important topic actually.

[@joeinterrante7873]

Every teaching should be important to followers of Jesus. Bad teaching is often subtle

[@erikasovacool]

Yes I agree!

[@erikasovacool]

It’s meant to be a theory and a helpful guide. It’s not meant to be the end all be all. Seems like this man is just reaching for a topic for his research- not to be harsh.

[@aprilhamblin4314]

Lies that look very close to the truth are most deceptive. This topic is important to discuss, especially if people are saying it is Christian. We are called sheep in the Bible. We are not that smart on our own. This stuff could be equivalent to when Aaron made a gold calf and the people worshiped it. Obviously that is ridiculous and noone needs to fight about a gold calf being a god. But people did and do. You are overestimating humans intellectual ability here, I think

[@annbrucepineda8093]

In about 1988 our pastor led my son's class, the youth, in a "Christian" imitation of Dungeons and Dragons. I won't go into details but our son is almost fifty and has never again gone to church regularly. His next teacher even gave him and his classmates copies of Evidence, which I loved, but I don't think he read it. After the pastor left, our son wanted me to buy him the D&D books. I admired our former pastor and thought, "Surely it's ok if he used it in church." Our son is a marvelous human being and I am sure his motives are noble but I think D&D was harmful. We as Christians should not copy such stuff.

[@nickstuart200]

Very simple rule of thumb: If it looks occult, sounds occult don't waste your time exploring it, spend your time on something productive like prayer and Bible study. Even alphabetizing your spice rack would be more productive than wasting time on the Enneagram (or what I like to call the "Eenie-miney-mo gram")