Episode 135. How Enneagram and Richard Rohr Deconstruct Jesus with Alexa Cramer

Oct 14, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Alexa Cramer, a researcher on the Enneagram’s impact on Christian theology, dives deep into Richard Rohr's controversial teachings. She reveals how Rohr redefines Jesus, sin, and salvation in ways that threaten traditional Christian beliefs. The conversation outlines the ROAR method to help parents discern these subtle theological shifts. They also explore the Enneagram's growing popularity, particularly among women, and its potential dangers for children in faith communities. A must-listen for those questioning modern spiritual trends!

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INSIGHT

Rohr's Role In Enneagram's Christian Appeal

Richard Rohr popularized the Enneagram among Christians while embedding mystic and New Age ideas into it.
Alexa Cramer warns Rohr's presentation sounds Christian but promotes nonbiblical perennialism and pantheistic ideas.

ADVICE

Use The ROAR Method With Kids

Use the ROAR method: Recognize, Offer objective discernment, Argue biblically, Reinforce over time.
Train children with examples and practice evangelistic conversations at home to build discernment.

INSIGHT

Pain As A Path To Self-Transformation

Rohr reframes pain as a spiritual growth tool and emphasizes transforming pain rather than doctrinal repentance.
Hosts note this language appeals to self-transformation and 'evolved self' themes common to Oprah-style spirituality.

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This episode of Mama Bear Apologetics explores the spiritual dangers behind the Enneagram and the teachings of Richard Rohr, particularly how they subtly oppose biblical Christianity. Amy is joined by fellow Mama Bear Alexa Cramer, who explains how Rohr redefines key Christian concepts like Jesus, sin, salvation, and the Bible itself. While Rohr’s language may sound Christian, his theology is rooted in mysticism, perennialism, and a pantheistic view of God—where all people and things are seen as inherently divine. The episode outlines how such teachings undermine the gospel and can mislead Christians, especially children, who may encounter the Enneagram in schools, churches, or online.

Using Mama Bear’s “ROAR” method (Recognize, Offer objective discernment, Argue for a healthier approach, Reinforce), the conversation equips parents to help their children identify subtle theological errors, practice discernment, and defend a biblical worldview. The episode encourages parents to disciple their children by training them to think critically about spiritual claims, recognize redefined vocabulary, and affirm the unique truth of the gospel in a culture saturated with self-focused spirituality.

Main Points Covered

The ROAR method of discernment
Role of Richard Rohr in popularizing the Enneagram among Christians
Analysis of key quotes by Rohr
Rohr’s theological framework
Implications for evangelism, accountability, sanctification
Cultural appeal of Enneagram and spiritual mysticism—especially for women and younger generations
Practical admonition: alertness to Enneagram with children in schools, churches, etc.

Resources Mentioned

The Enneagram blog series on Mama Bear Apologetics
Mama Bear Apologetics Episode on the Enneagram
Dr. Groothuis, The Unmasking of the New Age (recommended for seeing how New Age ideas influence Rohr)
Richard Rohr’s own books (e.g. The Universal Christ, The Divine Dance)

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