Christopher L. Heuertz

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 show more 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). show less

Heuertz and Pohl illuminate the possibilities and limitations of an approach to missions that revolves around reciprocal and self-giving friendships rather than one-way donor-recipient relationships.

As a leader in the missions organization Word Made Flesh (Heuertz) and an academic involved with a community of homeless people (Pohl), they write from the context of developing friendships with poor families. Many of their thoughts, though, can be applied to the cultivation of friendships with show more people on other margins - those of class, sexuality, mental and physical ability, and social acceptance. They encourage relationships in which a marginalized person is dignified by having friends who recognize his/her unique contributions to the friendship, understand his/her set of resources as valuable, and accept the gifts and hospitality he/she offers. I appreciated the comprehensiveness of the book: it did not shy away from the complications and ambiguities of friendships at the margins, nor did it pretend that those sorts of relationships alone can sustain us.

I marked all over the pages of this book. It's a slim volume, but it's a treasure trove of wisdom, stories, and solid theological reflection into practice. It reminded me that I have a long way to go and encouraged me to get going. show less

Oh, man. I wanted to like this book.

In fairness, I am not this book's intended audience, and I felt it. I was interested in learning more about the enneagram types. And this book does provide that and it does a good job, but it is a pretty small part of the book, to be honest.

There's a very particular Christian perspective here. I'm not throwing shade, but it wasn't what I was interested in. I'm not interested in finding God through contemplative prayer. There were parts of this book I show more found intriguing and valuable but mostly I found getting through it a slog. If you are Christian and interested in contemplative prayer, this book is for you. If not, I'd look elsewhere. show less

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 show more 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. show less