Iker Jiménez, the well-known presenter of the Spanish television program Cuarto Milenio, recently opened up about his personal experiences with cults during a reflective segment prompted by the death of Pope Francis. On Sunday, April 27, 2025, he shared his thoughts on the mysteries of existence and the nature of religions, revealing that he had been approached by several sects in his youth.
Jiménez recounted, "No ha sido fácil, ha habido intentos de sectas. ¿Cómo no? Cuando yo era un mancebo, un joven imberbe, me interesaban esos temas." This translates to, "It hasn’t been easy; there have been attempts by cults. How could it not be? When I was a young man, I was interested in these topics." He explained that during that time, he encountered various individuals who tried to sell him their 'truths,' including members of cults.
Reflecting on these experiences, Jiménez noted that these recruiters exploit the uncertainties surrounding human existence. He stated, "Sabemos que un día nacemos y otro morimos," meaning, "We know that one day we are born and another we die." This vulnerability, according to him, makes people susceptible to the persuasive tactics of cult recruiters who aim to impose their interpretations of reality.
In his 20 years as a broadcaster, Jiménez has consistently encouraged his audience to maintain a critical mindset. He emphasized, "Durante 20 años, les he intentado contar que no tienen que creer a nadie. Ni a mí, por supuesto. No soy líder de nada," which translates to, "For 20 years, I have tried to tell them that they don’t have to believe anyone. Not even me, of course. I am not a leader of anything." His insistence on skepticism stems from his belief that neither religion nor science holds all the answers.
Jiménez's passion for the mysterious has served as a protective shield against falling prey to the manipulative narratives often presented by cult leaders. He posed a poignant question during the program: "¿Por qué no caí yo y sí mucha gente?" or "Why didn’t I fall, and many people did?" This introspection highlights his awareness of the fine line between curiosity and vulnerability.
In a broader context, Jiménez discussed the relationship between power structures and sectarianism, asserting that "En toda estructura de poder, hay un poco de religión, de adoración al líder, algo que tiende a lo sectario," meaning, "In every power structure, there is a bit of religion, of adoration of the leader, something that tends to be sectarian." This perspective sheds light on how cult-like dynamics can infiltrate various institutions, including religions.
He further elaborated on the reluctance of some religious groups to embrace esoteric knowledge and scientific advancements, stating, "muchas de esas religiones tienen rechazo a lo esotérico y contemplan los avances científicos con cierto resquemor," which translates to, "many of those religions reject the esoteric and view scientific advancements with some resentment." This criticism of dogmatic beliefs suggests that rigidity in religious practices can diminish the essence of what religion is meant to embody.
Jiménez closed his segment with a thought-provoking reflection on the role of mystery within religion. He asked, "¿Qué es la religión sin el misterio?" meaning, "What is religion without mystery?" He argued that when religions become overly intense or dogmatic, they tend to ignore the mystery that underlies their very existence, leading to a loss of vitality in their practices.
This episode of Cuarto Milenio not only provided insights into Jiménez's personal journey but also sparked discussions about the broader implications of cult influences and the importance of maintaining a critical perspective on beliefs. As the program prepares to feature a guest who has firsthand experience within a contactist cult in the upcoming episode, viewers are likely to gain further understanding of the complexities surrounding such organizations.
In a world where uncertainties abound, Jiménez's message resonates strongly: questioning, exploring, and remaining skeptical are essential in navigating the often murky waters of belief systems. His experiences serve as a reminder that while the allure of certainty can be tempting, it is vital to approach all claims—whether from cults, religions, or even science—with a discerning mind.
