So why am I posting it (here)?
As an audio/sermons/lectures afficianado, I listen to a lot of teachers, preachers, panel discussions, debates, etc. In recent months I've come across talks from someone in the "emerging church movement" (can't remember who) and N.T. Wright; both mentioning they've "taken the enneagram." Wright, (and I think it may have been Doug Pagitt), said what "type" they were but I've forgotten.
Enneagram:
from two Greek words - ennea (nine) and grammos (something written or drawn).
(1) a nine pointed geometric figure.
(2) psychological testing used as an indicator of basic personality traits and/or styles: of individual strengths and weaknesses or assets/liabilities.
I've taken the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) test many times through the years, being introduced to it on the job in the Navy as a Neuro-Psychiatric Technician. I've consistently scored as the INTP personality type (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceptive).
When I heard that N.T. Wright took the enneagram I was, like, "Wow, one of my fave theologians! Maybe I should take it too?" So I did. Why? I could give various explanations such as, "INTPs are constantly thinking about 'deep stuff' in their internal mental world."
But for this thread: N.T. Wright related the enneagram to his ministry, in terms of what he does best, how he goes about doing it and: What things he doesn't get done but would like to do, or is otherwise not naturally disposed to get done in terms of his personality. One example was how he would like to do more book reviews but hasn't made time for it due to being an extrovert, (not especially enjoying sitting around reading alone, much preferring being "out" giving lectures, and so on).
I have several links to free online enneagram tests and can post them here.
However, if you google "free enneagram test" you'll probably (easily) get the same ones I found. (Some are short, taking maybe 5 minutes, others take a tad longer).
From here: http://www.9types.com/cgi-bin/ennea/tal/test.cgi (a very basic types description).
Other sites identify them slightly differently, e.g., :The Nine Personality Types of the Enneagram
Type 1: The Reformer. The rational, idealistic type.
Type 2: The Helper. The caring, nurturing type.
Type 3: The Motivator. The adaptable, success-oriented type.
Type 4: The Artist. The intuitive, reserved type.
Type 5: The Thinker. The perceptive, cerebral type.
Type 6: The Skeptic. The committed, security-oriented type.
Type 7: The Generalist. The enthusiastic, productive type.
Type 8: The Leader. The powerful, aggressive type.
Type 9: The Peacemaker. The easygoing, accommodating type.
Type 1: The Reformer.
Type 2: The Helper.
Type 3: The Achiever.
Type 4: The Individualist.
Type 5: The Investigator.
Type 6: The Loyalist.
Type 7: The Enthusiast.
Type 8: The Challenger.
Type 9: The Peacemaker.
Link: http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/descript.asp
(Btw, the number 5 guy's computer desk is more organized than mine, not kidding! and shopping malls have one, and only one, primary function: THE BOOK STORE)!
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My scores: I've taken about 6 separate tests.
The longest and, therefore, possibly the most accurate test had me as a "5w4." The "w" = "wing" which is the secondary personality trait or orientation. So I rated as a: Thinker-Investigator with the secondary "wing" of Artist-Individualist. Another test scored me as a "5w6". I consistently had 5 as my primary (by far) with an exception where I rated a "1w9" on a shorter "quick" test: But the questions didn't seem "logical," lol.
What the enneagram is good for, imo.
It didn't tell me anything I didn't really already know. But it did point out areas I need to focus on. For example, as a Thinker-Investigator (which goes right along with INTP), I can tend to become so absorbed into my internal thought-world that I isolate from others. Iow, I need to put more effort into social interaction and what all can be involved: E.g., "my types" don't do much "small talk" (and often find it annoying and/or irrelevant) -- "deep stuff" is so much more important and interesting! On the Individualist-Artist "wing"-- I need to keep in mind that creativity and individuality doesn't make me "the odd man out"...or that I can "go it alone."
In short, "my Types" (Enneagram and/with Myers-Briggs) are good at critical and creative thinking, detached evaluation, perception, etc. We have things to offer others but have to make deliberate efforts to share them due to a "loner" tendency: (People are always saying I should teach a Sunday School class or something like that...but I don't regularly go to church or have a certain group of people I hang-out-with).
What's strange.
The very same people who say I "should be teaching" quite often also say they don't know what I'm talking about! or otherwise, don't appear to be all that interested? or have the intelligence to comprehend what I say? This strikes me as odd and I don't know what to do (unless they want to take the time and effort to Investigate?)....
The fact that I both feel and am "different" I should see as my God-given uniqueness -- not that I'm a "weird-oh recluse". (I can be perfectly contented reading and studying alone for like, weeks! see, The Mad Scientist). It's not a bad thing to study alone a lot, in and of itself. But being a Christian is about sharing, and so on....
A Type 5 Motto:
"I don't have to know everything" (but wouldn't mind)!
... 
Of the famous Type 5s (Einstein, Neitzsche, Lennon, etc.) the one I most relate to is "Fox Mulder" (actor David Dukovny, The X Files).....
Gtg check on a job! {"You need to get out more often, Rick!"}....
OK! {I really HAVE to in this case}!
Any thoughts or comments? Thanks
