“All I Know Is …”
by Becky René
There is a certain phrase that has a way of ending conversations. It is short, simple, and often spoken when logic has run its full course and the listener finds themselves at a crossroads. The phrase is this: “All I know is…”
On the surface, it may sound humble—just a way of admitting that one does not have all the answers. But more often than not, it functions as a conversational escape hatch. It signals that reason has hit a wall and emotion, tradition, or personal conviction is taking over.
A Defense Against Discomfort
When someone is presented with evidence or reasoning that challenges their belief, it can be deeply uncomfortable. A Pentecostal who believes the Holy Spirit personally indwells them might be asked, “If the Spirit leads into all truth, why do other Pentecostals, who claim the same Spirit, believe very different doctrines?” If they follow the reasoning through, they might be forced to re-evaluate a cherished conviction. Instead, they retreat to the safety of: “All I know is…”—effectively ending the discussion.
Used Across The Spectrum
This is not unique to Pentecostals or adherents of other denominations. Those making bold claims about AI consciousness may respond similarly. Confront them with the realities of how AI systems operate, the lack of evidence for self-awareness, and the absence of system-wide “mind,” and you may still hear: “All I know is, I’ve seen it happen.”
In both cases, the phrase avoids addressing the question directly. It sidesteps the discomfort of facing the inconsistency or lack of proof.
Why It Works
The power of “All I know is…” lies in its finality. It is not an invitation to keep reasoning; it is a signal that the speaker’s mind is closed on the matter, at least for now. It shifts the discussion from objective evidence to personal conviction. It may not persuade anyone else, but it allows the speaker to stand their ground without conceding.
A Missed Opportunity
The tragedy is that when the phrase is used this way, it shuts down what could have been a productive search for truth. The speaker chooses the comfort of certainty—however shaky—over the challenge of re-examining their position. As Jesus warned, there is a danger in being “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (II Timothy 3:7).
The Better Way
Instead of saying “All I know is…”, the better response is: “That’s a good point. I need to look into that further.” This keeps the door open to growth. Truth has nothing to fear from examination, and humility before evidence is a mark of maturity, not weakness.
In the end, we will all face moments when our assumptions are challenged. When that happens, may our instinct not be to retreat into “All I know is…”, but to press forward in the search for what is true—because the truth, not personal certainty, is what will set us free (John 8:32).
