It is an imprecise model of personality” (p. Even Cron admits the system is fallible and errant and “not the be-all and end-all of Christian spirituality. The authors believe that, despite its unknown origin, its total lack of scientific validity, and its utter subjectivism, it is a means of self-discovery (pp. Its spread in modern times, beginning in 1970, is owed to some psychiatrists but primarily to Roman Catholic leaders who have embraced the spiritual disciplines of the mystics as popularized by the Spiritual Formation Movement (pp. The Enneagram is of unknown origin, but seems to have roots in ancient Christian mysticism stemming from the fourth century Desert Fathers.

In Christian-speak, it is a means of progressive sanctification, a rival to Scripture’s message and method concerning spiritual maturity. The authors continue, “The true purpose of the Enneagram is to reveal to you your shadow side and offer spiritual counsel on how to open it to the transformative light of grace” (p. The purpose of the Enneagram is “to develop self-knowledge and learn how to recognize and dis-identify with the parts of our personalities that limit us so we can be reunited with our truest and best selves, that ‘pure diamond, blazing with invisible light of heaven,’ as Thomas Merton said” (p. According to the authors, the Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system that “helps people understand who they are and what makes them tick” (p. The Road Back to You is a primer concerning the latest fad in personality type-casting known as the Enneagram.

The road back to you com