Date
1-16-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Albert Pace
Keywords
Enneagram, personality, evangelical, Christianity, image of God, relationship
Disciplines
Psychology | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Recommended Citation
Scholtz, Wesley E., "What Hath Jerusalem to Do with Chile: Towards an Evangelical Understanding of the Enneagram and Its Usage for Spiritual Development" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6467.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6467
Abstract
Currently, it is estimated that the personality testing market is worth approximately $2 billion. The Church has expressed interest in understanding personality types through various testing methods. The Enneagram offers a possibly ancient method to help people understand who they are in a spiritual capacity, which can be an aid in connecting more closely with God. This dissertation addressed the research gap that exists within the current literature which is the lack of data concerning whether adults who are professional, ordained ministers are aware of, use, and may be skeptical of the Enneagram. The research method in this dissertation was a mixed-method study that drew its sample from adults who are professional, ordained ministers. The purpose of this study was to gather this type of information in order to cohere and develop a broad and informed knowledge base to formulate an evangelical position on the Enneagram. Quantitative analysis using linear regression found that the variables of gender, denomination, role in ministry, and geographic location significantly predict awareness of and use of the tool along with the presence of some skepticism (p <.05). Additionally, significant correlations were observed between age and time in ministry when it came to awareness, use, and skepticism of the Enneagram. Qualitative findings communicated general acceptance while suggesting that it should not be utilized as a universal tool mentality. Implications suggest the Enneagram can be considered as an option for spiritual growth.
