Contextual or eternal/transcendental

[SoRoUsH]

Salam, 

Here's a question: 

Are statements by our Imams and prophet meant to be understood contextually or eternally? If we have to examine each statement, case-by-case, what criteria should we use to determine which statements are meant to be understood contextually and which ones atemporally?  

[Enlightened Follower]

1 hour ago, SoRoUsH said:

Salam, 

Here's a question: 

Are statements by our Imams and prophet meant to be understood contextually or eternally? If we have to examine each statement, case-by-case, what criteria should we use to determine which statements are meant to be understood contextually and which ones atemporally?  

Salam, 

I believe they are meant to be understood both contextually, and eternally, it really depends on the nature of the statement, and the time and place.

[SoRoUsH]

Salam, 

When you say, "it really depends on the nature of the statement, and the time and place," what criteria regarding statements, time and place, will make the distinction?

[Enlightened Follower]

18 minutes ago, SoRoUsH said:

Salam, 

When you say, "it really depends on the nature of the statement, and the time and place," what criteria regarding statements, time and place, will make the distinction?

What a particular Imam says at specific context and time and location for instance, is the statement made a metaphor is it a truth pertaining to reality etc.

[SoRoUsH]

But how can you tell?