The Enneagram seems to be a popular 'tool' used in Catholic parish classes, pastoral ministries, and retreat programs -etcetera.

This topic I am no expert on; however, based upon my understanding of and what I have ascertained -the Enneagram can lead one astray from Church teaching...

What say any experts, users, proponents or opponents? I do not think this topic been discussed here before...

I am looking for opinions and information regarding this topic -- any information insight regarding Church position(s) on this etc.

-- Daniel Hawkenberry (dlm@catholic.org), January 06, 2005

Answers

Platonic and Aristotelian philosophies are better at everything... try this link. I think you might really like it.

The ancient philosphies, in modified forms tailored to the Faith, have the endorsement of the Catholic Church as useful philosophical handmaidens to the Faith.

The Enneagram? Don't touch that stuff.

-- Emerald (em@cox.nett), January 06, 2005.

Try the Myers-Briggs instead. I have some links if anyone is interested, but not the time right now to post them.

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com"), January 06, 2005.

Emily,

Myers-Briggs is based upon Jungian philosophy. See this thread regarding Jung:

Carl Jung and Catholicism

-- Daniel Hawkenberry (dlm@catholic.org), January 06, 2005.

Enneagram? Why not just try a pack of tarot cards? Or astrology? Or palm reading? They all made sense to Carl Jung, LOL!

I on the other hand, prefer the objectivity of God's holy Word, and the revelation we find manifest in the Church Catholic. Tools such as the enneagram, walking the labyrinth, etc. seem to me to border on the occult.

-- Michael (edwardsronning@prodigy.net), January 06, 2005.

enneagram, walking the labyrinth, etc. seem to me to border on the occult.

What if they're being used in parishes/retreat houses, etc. approved by the bishop? That makes it OK, no?

-- jake (j@k.e), January 06, 2005.

The Enneagram is a toy. Want self-knowledge? Examine yourself in light of the Gospel, and get a spiritual director.

-- anon (ymous@god.bless), January 06, 2005.

I think Fr. Gabriel Amorth, Vatican Chief exorcist said that the Ennegram was link to the no. 1 causes of possessions in Italy...A

-- Andrew (andyhbk96@hotmail.com), January 07, 2005.