English
Português
Español
Français
Answer
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI) is a well-known personality assessment first introduced in 1943 and based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. The assessment was created by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, to assist individuals in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
The MBTI evaluates preferences in four distinct areas and defines sixteen unique personality types. These preference areas encompass 1) a preference for focusing on the external world (extroversion, E) or the internal world (introversion, I), 2) a preference for dealing with concrete information (sensing, S) or interpreting and giving meaning to information (intuition, N), 3) a preference for decision-making based on logic (thinking, T) or considering the human element first (feeling, F), and 4) a preference for closure (judging, J) or staying open to possibilities (perceiving, P). The sixteen personality types are combinations of these four preferences; for instance, ISTJ represents a personality type that is primarily introverted, focuses on concrete information, thinks logically, and prefers resolved decision-making.
The MBTI is a widely used tool for assessment. Regardless of whether individuals have taken the official assessment, many are familiar with the concepts and have informally explored their personalities or identified with a specific type. Various resources describe general personality characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, ideal career paths for each type, optimal learning environments, and even compatible romantic pairings for each type.
The Myers & Briggs Foundation emphasizes that no single personality type is superior to another. Additionally, personality types do not reflect one’s abilities or character. These types are simply provided as aids to enhance self-awareness. While personality type can be beneficial in decision-making, it should not be the sole determinant in making important choices.career path, romantic partners, or similar.
Despite the secular scientific considerations of the MBTI, the question arises: are different personality types mentioned in the Bible? Should Christians take personality types into account? Can they be beneficial in any way? Let’s explore what the Bible has to say.
It is known that all humans are created in the image of God “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”, (Genesis 1:27). We understand that we are uniquely designed and that God fully knows and loves us (Psalm 139). Each human being is distinct. This observation is not contradicted by the MBTI. It is evident that some individuals draw energy from social interactions while others recharge in solitude. The Bible acknowledges the existence of different types of people as well as commonalities among them. Although John Doe is unique, it does not imply that every aspect of Mr. Doe is entirely different from others. It is not inconsistent with biblical teachings to identify general similarities among individuals.
For Christians, the value of the MBTI lies in enhancing self-awareness to better serve God. Often, our personality traits align with God’s purpose for our lives. For instance, someone inclined towards introversion may be called to be a writer. Conversely, an extroverted individual may be led by God to lead large-group Bible studies. Recognizing our inherent strengths enables us to identify where we can serve most effectively; understanding our natural weaknesses can help us steer clear of potential pitfalls.
Understanding personality types can also empower Christians to love and serve others more effectively. For instance, knowing that a friend leans towards introversion can guide us to spend quality one-on-one time together. This is likely to be more fulfilling for them.
Time spent in intimate settings is often more meaningful than time spent together in larger social gatherings. If our friend leans more toward extroversion, we will understand that they enjoy being part of social activities, so we can make sure to include them. Understanding different personality types can also make it easier for us to forgive others. For example, if an introverted friend declines our invitation to an event, we may not take it personally. Similarly, when a “thinker” focuses on the bottom line in a church staffing decision, we can realize that their approach is not due to insensitivity but rather to their natural analytical inclination.
One potential pitfall of the MBTI for Christians, or anyone, is the risk of viewing personality type as rigid and using it to justify lack of growth. A person’s personality type should not be used as an excuse for inappropriate behavior, nor should it restrict their capacity to change or engage in activities that may not align with stereotypes. An introvert is still called to share the gospel, an extrovert is still called to spend solitary time with God, a thinker should still consider the impact of their decisions on others, and a feeler is still expected to be a responsible steward. When God challenges us beyond our comfort zones, our personality type should not be an excuse for disobedience. If anything, when God calls us to step out of our natural tendencies, it provides an opportunity to deepen our trust in Him and understand that it is His work within us that enables remarkable achievements (see Zechariah 4:6).
Another risk associated with the MBTI is allowing it to dictate our entire identities. As Christians, our primary identity is as children of God “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”, (John 1:12). While exploring our personalities, which God has designed, can help us bring glory to Him, we must remember that our ultimate identity is found in Jesus. Paul was willing to give up everything “that I”
May gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own . . . but that which is through faith in Christ” (Philippians 3:8-9).
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or MBTI can be a helpful tool in understanding God’s unique design of humanity, and of yourself specifically. It hints at both the order and diversity with which God created the world, demonstrating His logic and His artistry. Understanding ourselves can help us better steward the gifts God has given us. Rather than try to become someone else, we can thank God for His unique design and make the best use of the gifts God has given us.
