30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Full of Inspiration, August 20, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Discovering The Enneagram: An Ancient Tool a New Spiritual Journey (Paperback)
This was the first book that I read on the topic. Now, many years, and many «how-to-get-your-career-going»-books later, I am so thankful that I was presented to the Enneagram by this one. The authors manage to share their knowledge of the nine energies in such a wonderful balance between confidence and humbleness. It is written in a very personal manner, the authors make a lot of references to themselves and their own types, often questioning their own motives for acting like they do. This «meta»-perspective provides a very important aspect to the presentation; reminding the reader that any presentation has a basis in subjectivity, and is of course influenced by it. It is also interesting that it is written by a german protestant (Ebert), based on the talks of an american catholic (Rohr). Two different traditions are meeting, one of methodological research and critical questioning, one of symbolic and traditional orientation. So if you're looking for shortcuts to success, this may not be the book for you. But if you're looking for some knowledge to help you strive for honesty in relation to yourself and others, you should read this one; it's wise, witty and full of inspiration.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great way to get an insightful look at your own life., January 29, 1998
This review is from: Discovering The Enneagram: An Ancient Tool a New Spiritual Journey (Paperback)
This book offers some wonderful insights into why we do the things we do. Though it is tempting to first look at the discussions of your own type, there is much to learn from the chapter about all of us. The spiritual focus of the book was a great draw for me. The enneagram doesn't just help you learn about yourself, it helps you to better yourself. And in doing so can bring you closer to others and to God.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent presentation of the Enneagram from a Christian Perspective, November 20, 2006
This review is from: Discovering The Enneagram: An Ancient Tool a New Spiritual Journey (Paperback)
I have read a lot of books on the Enneagram and I use the Enneagram in my personal growth coaching work. While this is not my all time favorite, it is scholarly, accurate and contains many interesting historical facts specifically relating to Christianity.
This book looks at the Enneagram from a Christian perspective, which is complimentary to many of the other books that are out there on this topic. Within the Christian genre of Enneagram books, this is the best one I know of.
I disagree with Rohr on a few theoretical points, but his presentation of the characteristics of the 9 types is well done. Overall, the book is very engaging and if you are approaching the Enneagram from a Christian perspective, you will probably appreciate the way that this author positions his ideas.
If you are not a Christian, you will still get a lot out of this book. Richard Rohr has deep insights to over on all of the types and he is eloquent in many of his descriptions.
If you want a more psychological non-denominational explanation, then I recommend, "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Riso and Hudson. Sandra Maitri's "The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram" is also quite good, especially at describing the shadow aspects of the types at lower developmental levels.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
