I get this question in my inbox all the time:
“What are your thoughts on the Enneagram? I have a gut feeling it’s not something Catholics should be using, but I’m not sure why. It seems helpful for self-knowledge, but could it open doors to the enemy?”
If you’ve ever wondered the same—especially after hearing about “Christian versions” of it, and friends discussing their “numbers”, or seeing it promoted on retreats—you’re not alone. The popularity of this personality typing system has left many faithful Catholics wondering: Is this just an innocent tool for self-awareness, or is there something more concerning beneath the surface?
The answer, as with many things in our spiritual lives, requires careful discernment. Let me walk you through what the Enneagram is, why the Catholic Church has expressed concerns about it, and how we can approach it—and similar tools—with the wisdom of our faith.
