The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Many people find it helpful in understanding themselves and others. Christians, however, may have some hesitations about using the MBTI because of its secular origins.
In this blog post, we will explore how Christians can view the MBTI in a positive light and use it to grow in their faith.
What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and how does it work?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a personality test that was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers.
It’s based on the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who proposed that there are four different psychological functions that influence how we perceive the world and make decisions:
Jung also believed that everyone has a preferred way of using these functions, which he called “attitudes.” Briggs and Myers expanded on Jung’s work to create the MBTI
Introvert (I) or Extrovert (E)
This is the first letter of the usual 4-letter code and refers to how we get our energy. Introverts are energized by alone time, while extroverts are energized by being around people.
Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
This refers to how we take in or adding meaning to information. Sensing types prefer to focus on the concrete details of a situation, while Intuitive types are more interested in the big picture and abstract concepts.
Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
This refers to how we make decisions. Thinking types tend to base their decisions on logic and objective analysis, while Feeling types place more emphasis on personal values and feelings.
Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
This refers to how we orient our lives. Judging types prefer a more structured and planned approach, while Perceiving types are more spontaneous and adaptable.
Personality Types and Personality traits
The MBTI consists of a series of questions that help to recognize an individual’s personality type. Once a person has taken the test, they are typically given a four-letter code that represents their preferences on each of the four scales.
For example, someone who prefers Sensing and Intuition, Thinking and Feeling, and Judging and Perceiving would have the code “INFP.”
I’m actually a good example of an INFP personality. In the MBTI world, I’m called the dreamer and peacemaker. Most INFP’s are excellent story tellers, and a lot of us are also good at writing. We’re usually very kind and gentle people, but we can also be fierce defenders of those we love. INFP’s make up only about four percent of the population, so we’re a pretty rare breed.
There are 16 different personality types in total, and each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. You can find out your own MBTI type by taking the assessment at this link.
Christian Perspectives on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
So how should Christians view the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
There are a few different Christian perspectives on the MBTI. Some Christians see it as a helpful tool for self-awareness and personal growth. Others view it with suspicion, believing that it is based on faulty psychological theories. And still others believe that it can be used in a positive way as long as it is interpreted from a Christian worldview.
Personally, I believe that the MBTI can be a fun and helpful tool for Christians who want to grow in self-awareness and understanding of others.
However, it’s important to remember that the MBTI is not perfect. It should not be used as a way to pigeonhole people or tell them who they should be. Instead, it should be seen as a starting point for further possibilities and self-discovery.
The problems with MBTI and how it can be dangerous for Christians
Christians should be careful about using the MBTI. While it can be helpful in some ways, it also has some dangers that Christians should be aware of.
The MBTI is based on Jungian psychology.
This has been critiqued by many Christian thinkers because it does not line up with a biblical worldview. The main problem is that it’s like a forced choice wherein it paints people as static types, when in reality, God designed us all as complex and dynamic individuals. It also doesn’t take into account our personal experience or the spiritual dimension of our lives.
The MBTI dichotomies are not always accurate, and they can lead to oversimplification.
For example, the dichotomy between “thinking” and “feeling” doesn’t take into account that we use both thinking and feeling when making decisions.
The MBTI can be used to justify sinful behavior.
For example, someone might use their “introverted” or “thinking” preference as an excuse to be rude or insensitive.
Christians should be cautious about using the MBTI. We need to remember that we are more than our personality type, and that God created us each uniquely for a purpose. The MBTI can be a helpful tool, but we should not allow it to define us.
How the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Can Help You Share the Gospel
What’s good with the MBTI is that it can help you understand yourself and others better. Christians can use the MBTI to learn how to share the gospel in a way that is tailored to the personality traits of the person they are speaking to.
Here are some tips on how to use the MBTI to share the gospel:
– If you’re talking to someone who is an introvert, be patient and don’t try to force a conversation. Give them time to process what you’re saying.
– If you’re talking to someone who is a sensor, focus on the concrete logic or facts of the gospel message. Avoid using too many abstract concepts.
– If you’re talking to someone who is a thinker, be prepared to answer their questions and address their objections.
– If you’re talking to someone who is a feeler, focus on the emotional aspects of the gospel message. Share your own testimony of how the gospel has changed your life.
By using the MBTI to understand yourself and others, you can learn how to share the gospel in a way that is more effective and less likely to offend. So don’t be afraid to ask someone their MBTI type – it could be the key to helping them understand the gospel message.
How Christians can use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to understand themselves better and grow in their faith journey?
Christian counselor and author, Dr. Tim Clinton, believes that the MBTI can be a helpful tool for Christians to understand themselves and others better.
“When it comes to Christian counseling and psychology, I am a big proponent of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator,” says Clinton. “I believe that this tool can be extremely helpful for Christians in their journey of self-discovery and growth.”
Clinton goes on to explain how the MBTI can help Christians understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they interact with others. He also offers some practical advice for Christians who are interested in taking the MBTI.
“If you’re a Christian and you’re considering taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, I would encourage you to do so,” Clinton says. “It can be a valuable tool in your journey of self-discovery and growth.”
The benefits of using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator for Christian growth and discipleship purposes?
Christian MBTI can help individuals recognize, understand, and respect differences among people. It also can assist in communication and conflict resolution. When used correctly, Christian MBTI can be a helpful tool for Christians seeking to grow in self-awareness and Christ-likeness.
However, it is important to remember that the MBTI is not an accurate measure of personality or spirituality.
Ultimately, our relationship with God is what defines us, not our personality type.
With that said, here are five benefits of using the Christian Myers-Briggs Type Indicator:
It can help you understand yourself better.
The Christian Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses from a spiritual perspective. This self-knowledge can be used to grow in your relationship with God and become more like Christ.
It can help you understand others better.
Christian MBTI can also help you understand how other people think and process information. This understanding can be used to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and serve others more effectively.
It can help you communicate better.
Christian MBTI can assist you in learning how to communicate with people who are different from you. By understanding the communication preferences of others, you can adapt your own style to be more effective in sharing the Gospel and building relationships.
It can help you make wise decisions.
Christian MBTI can help you learn how to gather information and make decisions based on your strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge can be used to make discipleship decisions, set priorities, and create goals.
It can help you grow in your relationship with God.
Christian MBTI can help you learn more about yourself and how God has uniquely created you. This knowledge can be used to grow in your relationship with God and become more like Christ. Christian MBTI is not a replacement for a personal relationship with God, but it can be a tool to help you grow in that relationship.
These are just a few of the benefits of using Christian Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
How can you get started using the MBTI for your own personal growth and development as a Christian believer?
There is a lot of helpful information out there, and the MBTI can be a great tool for Christian personal growth and development. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you explore the MBTI:
The MBTI is not a test of intelligence or ability.
It is simply a personality tool that can be used to help individuals learn more about themselves and how they interact with others.
There is no “right” or “wrong” personality type.
Each of the 16 personality types has its own strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to use the MBTI to become aware of your own personal preferences and then to learn how to work with those preferences in order to become a more well-rounded individual.
The MBTI should not be used to label others.
It is important to remember that each person is an individual and should be treated as such. The MBTI is a tool to help you understand yourself and others, not a way to put people into boxes.
Keep these things in mind as you begin to explore the world of personality type!
Using a Personality test and what that means for you as a Christian.
There are many Christian personality type tests are available online and in many Christian bookstores.
Do these personality tests mean anything for you as a Christian?
Of course, no personality test can completely capture who you are as a person. However, the MBTI can be a helpful tool to Christian individuals seeking to grow in self-awareness and better understand how God has wired us.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual Christian to discern how the MBTI can best be applied in their life.
For some, that may mean using it as a guide for Christian growth and development. For others, it may simply provide a greater understanding and appreciation of self and others. No matter how it is used, the Christian Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can be a helpful tool on the journey of faith.
Most peeple believe that the MBTI can help Christians understand their temperaments and how they interact with others.
In my experience, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator has been an accurate and helpful tool in making me understand other’s temperaments and how different types interact with each other.
The MBTI can help Christians become more patient with people who process information differently than they do.
I think what is more important is that it should not be used as a replacement for Scripture as our ultimate guide for living, but as a tool in helping us to understand ourselves and others.
Christian MBTI Resources
No matter how you choose to use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, remember that it is only one tool on your journey of faith. Ultimately, it is up to each individual Christian to discern how the MBTI can best be applied in their life.
If you’re looking for Christian resources on the MBTI, here are a few that may be helpful:
Knowing Me, Knowing God, Malcolm Goldsmith
Growing Spiritually with the Myers-Briggs Model, Julia McGuinness
The Wager of the Soul: Jungian Psychology in the Gospel, Léon B. Barrière
Closing thoughts
The Christian faith is based on a belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior. In order to have a personal relationship with Him, we need to understand what He did for us on the cross.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help us to better understand ourselves so that we can grow closer to God.
The MBTI is not perfect, but it can be a helpful tool for Christians who want to learn more about themselves and how they interact with others.
If you’re considering taking the MBTI, I would encourage you to do so. It could be a valuable tool in your journey of self-discovery and growth.
What are your thoughts on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator? Do you think it can be helpful for Christians? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks for reading! I hope this post has been helpful in understanding some of the problems with the MBTI from a Christian perspective.
