Enneagram Controversy and Jackie Hill Perry: Reflections on Spiritual Discernment
Should Psychological Models Have a Place in the Church?
On January 17, 2023, I encountered two topics that sparked significant thought: the Enneagram and Jackie Hill Perry. Both have stirred considerable discussion within Christian communities, often igniting debates about theology, spiritual discernment, and cultural influence.
The Enneagram: Origins and Controversy
The Enneagram is a personality typing system that has gained traction in recent years. However, its roots are far from conventional. According to a video by Jackie Hill Perry, the Enneagram’s creator, Oscar Ichazo, claimed to have received its framework from Metatron, a being he described as angelic, through a process known as automatic writing. Within many Christian traditions, automatic writing is associated with demonic influence, a claim Perry emphasizes in her video.
For context, Metatron is a figure referenced in Jewish mystical texts like the Talmud and Kabbalah. Descriptions of Metatron vary widely—he is depicted as the "Prince of the Presence," an ascended version of Enoch, a celestial scribe, and even as the archangel Michael. These varying and often contradictory attributes present a figure whose identity and nature remain elusive, leading some to view him as deceptive.
In light of this origin story, Perry unequivocally labeled the Enneagram as demonic. Her bold stance sparked widespread discussion online, particularly on Christian social media, and introduced many, including myself, to the Enneagram’s controversial origins.
Jackie Hill Perry: Boldness in Faith
Jackie Hill Perry is a multifaceted figure: a minister, poet, Bible teacher, hip-hop artist, and author of Gay Girl, Good God. In her video, Perry articulates her concerns about the Enneagram with clarity and conviction, which I found both compelling and thought-provoking. Her perspective aligns with her broader ministry of calling believers to spiritual discernment and truth.
However, Perry’s critique of the Enneagram also drew significant backlash. The video led to heated discussions on Twitter, eventually culminating in Perry deleting her account. Some of the criticism came from prominent figures like Beth Moore, who weighed in on the situation with a call for grace and reflection.
Beth Moore’s tweet stated:
Praying for you as you navigate all of this. This much I know: Jesus did not do what He did for women in the Gospels only to have 1/2 the global gospel witness wiped out after Pentecost. How & where we proclaim the gospel may be in question but that we are to proclaim it is not.
While Moore’s response seemed to address broader issues of women in ministry, it reflected the complexities of navigating theological disagreements in the public sphere.
Reflections on Spiritual Warfare and Influence
This unfolding controversy prompted me to reflect on my own journey. The video, and the subsequent reactions, highlighted the importance of spiritual discernment in today’s culture. It also made me reconsider my own goals in ministry, creative projects, and engagement with the broader Christian community.
The Enneagram debate is just one example of how cultural tools can infiltrate Christian spaces, sometimes with questionable origins. It underscores the need for believers to be vigilant and discerning, testing everything against the truth of Scripture.
Similarly, Jackie Hill Perry’s boldness serves as a reminder of the cost of standing firm in one’s convictions. Whether or not one agrees with her conclusions, her willingness to speak out is admirable in a time when many shy away from controversial topics.
Here is the video of Claudio Naranjo explaining how he created the Enneagram.
Conclusion
As I observed the responses to Perry’s video and the broader conversation surrounding the Enneagram, I chose to remain on the sidelines, focusing instead on the lessons to be drawn. For those interested, the video above provides an opportunity to consider the origins of the Enneagram and form your own conclusions.
At the heart of this issue lies a larger question: how do we, as Christians, navigate the tension between cultural tools and spiritual truth? This question is worth pondering as we strive to walk in faithfulness and discernment in an increasingly complex world.
Got it! Here's a draft of a reflective closing paragraph that could follow the conclusion of your article:
Food for Thought
The conversation around the Enneagram and its use in Christian spaces highlights a broader tension: how should believers approach tools and ideas from outside the Church? For non-Christians and those who have been hurt by organized religion, psychological models like the Enneagram might feel empowering, offering a sense of self-discovery and healing. On the other hand, Christians often find themselves on both sides of the debate—some valuing its practical applications in counseling or discipleship, while others, like myself, are cautious, weighing its spiritual origins and potential dangers. This tension reminds us to approach these conversations with both discernment and grace, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us in distinguishing between what aligns with God’s truth and what could be harmful to our faith.
