As my first in depth introduction to the Enneagram—beyond brief online write ups and podcast references—Heuertz offers a beautiful volume that speaks to the initiated as well as the beginner. Coincidence that I completed it the day before the US elections? Perhaps. But this was a timely moment for wisdom to stay centered in times of distress.

I ordered the book months ago after hearing Heuertz talk to Brené Brown on her podcast Unlocking Us (definitely recommend). While waiting for the book, I took the online survey recommended so that I'd know my type/s and have focus for my reading. This was helpful, but not necessary to appreciate what Heuertz has to say.

Now to accept the invitation to practice the postures of contemplation that align with my type for a more vibrant and healing spiritual life.

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An Optional Matrix

I've heard many Christians heralding the value of the Enneagram and so thought I'd read this recommended book. I'm generally not a big fan of personality typing, since it usually presents a matrix in which one is supposed to locate oneself (usually in one of four types). I never usually find myself entirely agreeing with the given matrix, which of course only serves as evidence to those who do buy into that matrix that I'm this or that type. After all the matrix can't be wrong, right?

But I'd heard that at least the Enneagram offered more types (9), and challenged one to face one's deepest fears and temptations. Fair enough. I do believe that personality testing needs to not simply affirm personality traits but also challenge one to notice and acknowledge personality deficiencies, while also highlighting the need to recognize differences in others, and make room for these. It seemed like the Enneagram would possibly provide this opportunity, and in a way it does. But once again I need to give myself into a matrix almost entirely by blind faith.

In this book at least, there is no attempt to argue for the validity of the Enneagram. Aside from testimonials, one is simply expected to embrace it's value. I'm not denying it's pragmatic value. It might be a useful fiction (or reality). But personally I need more evidence to demonstrate that the Enneagram is attached to objective truth (,i.e., reality and not mere mental heuristics) before giving myself to what would involve quite a bit more study and reflection to fully understand the system. I'm personally not motivated to do it.

This is not to say the Enneagram isn't without value. It can provide a common language for discussion about personality. But I don't think it's a reliable tool, and therefore I'm not compelled to dive in deeper, at least not right now.

There is a helpful chapter at the end on forms of contemplative prayer, which serves as a good introduction of three types of prayer that will be less familiar to some Christian traditions (e.g., evangelicals and Pentecostals). ( )

Goodness. What a frustrating read. I am glad that I read this once, but I hope that I never have to read it again. There are some real gems in here, for all types, but it is so poorly written and even worsely (the bad writing is contagious!) organized. I cannot believe that someone edited this book. Reading the acknowledgements, it looks like a lot of people were involved in proofing copy. They should all give their checks back for the days they worked on this book. Ugh. You want specifics? Okay. Any section giving context to the enneagram or the history of the enneagram was basically just pulled quotes from other sources, to the point that he has to use multiple names for the same idea. This is an example of poor organization. Some explanations of the enneagram seemed to be just lifted from other sources. Parroting is not flattering. If you can't integrate the knowledge you have into a coherent and CONCISE story, then maybe don't write a book. I can only assume that earlier versions were worse and this was the best a whole team of editors could do. I don't know.

Here's free advice for the second edition. Simplify the history lesson. Introduce the concepts (enneagram specifics, contemplative spiritual theory) you want to discuss and how they work together. Explain in separate chapters how these concepts work for each type and what the practice of contemplative practice looks like for each type.

Why is that so hard?

Instead, I'm wading through all of this chaff to find the kernels of truth that will, granted, be edifying. I'm literally taking notes on the disparate gems for my type and condensing to a single page of notes that I can reference, because, again, I will never ever read this book again.

End rant.

I release my resentment about spending time slogging through what could have been so much better and accept this book as it is.

I am a type 1. ( )

A book that I think I will find myself returning to again and again. Lots to unpack and revisit. ( )

I read this book over six weeks, as part of a Tuesday night class through Artisan Church.

This is my second deep-dive into the Enneagram, after reading The Road Back To You in 2017.

This is a solid book to start with after you've gained some familiarity with the Enneagram. It goes deep - I still have not wrapped my head around the Harmony Triads. The book provides practical ways to engage with your type through contemplative prayer practice that I found interesting. The author presumes you have full buy-in throughout the book. He's an engaging author and weaves the right amount of personal story into it without being overbearing.

A helpful and practical guide to engaging the Enneagram.

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