Amy and Alexa dive into the Enneagram's impact on faith, family, and identity, questioning its ability to reveal our 'true self'. They dissect its susceptibility to manipulation and its potential ties to New Age beliefs, urging critical evaluation. The discussion delves into its historical origins and controversial connections, highlighting concerns about its influence on Christian beliefs and morality.
The Enneagram challenges traditional Christian beliefs by emphasizing personal enlightenment over the concept of inherent sin and redemption.
The Enneagram employs manipulative techniques like 'outs' and 'rainbow ruse' statements, potentially fostering a self-focused and deceptive worldview.
Deep dives
The Influence of Enneagram on Worldview and Identity
The Enneagram is discussed as a tool influencing one's worldview and identity. It challenges the idea of inherent sin and emphasizes tracing behaviors to external influences rather than personal responsibility. The focus is on finding one's 'true self' and achieving personal enlightenment, diverging from traditional Christian beliefs of sin and redemption. This shift in perspective presents a potential danger of diminishing the need for a savior within the Enneagram framework.
Manipulative Tactics and Misleading Techniques of the Enneagram
The Enneagram's manipulative tactics and misleading techniques are highlighted, including the concept of 'outs' and 'rainbow ruse' statements. 'Outs' present escape routes allowing individuals to attribute behaviors to different Enneagram numbers, fostering a sense of flexibility but potentially excusing negative actions. 'Rainbow ruse' statements cover a wide spectrum of traits, leading individuals to perceive vague descriptions as personalized insights, contributing to a self-focused, potentially deceptive worldview.
Origins and Controversies Surrounding the Enneagram
The historical background and controversies surrounding the Enneagram are explored, debunking claims of ancient origins and discussing its modern inception in the early 1900s by mystic George Gurdjieff. Further developments by Claudio Naranjo and Oscar Ichazo in the 1970s linked personality types to the Enneagram, drawing from occult practices like automatic writing. The discussion sheds light on the lack of concrete evidence supporting the Enneagram's purported ancient roots and its controversial history.
Critical Engagement and Response to the Enneagram
Guidelines for engaging with individuals embracing the Enneagram are provided, emphasizing a grace-filled approach through prayer and thoughtful questioning. Encouraging critical analysis of beliefs and relying on the Holy Spirit's discernment, the goal is to foster constructive conversations that challenge Enneagram users to evaluate their worldview against biblical truth. A recommendation to study the role of the Holy Spirit as a defense against misleading ideologies like the Enneagram is proposed for deeper spiritual growth and discernment.
Summary In this episode, Amy Davison and Alexa Cramer examine the Enneagram’s influence on faith and family. They question the Enneagram’s purported ability to peel back layers to our ‘true self’ and the implications it has on how we interpret Scripture, raise our children, and understand our own identities. They explore how it stands apart […]