RT Article T1 "Whatever became of that earlier time of grace?" Luther, Bonhoeffer and the quincentennial JF HTS teologiese studies VO 74 IS 1 A1 Westhuizen, Henco van der LA English YR 2018 UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/194616299X AB The quincentenary of the Protestant Reformations creates a challenge. With reference to Protestant churches in South Africa, the ambiguity inherent in this challenge is considered in the first part of the essay. In the second part, Martin Luther’s famous discovery is investigated in light of his earlier theology leading up to 31 October 1517. It is argued that Luther’s earlier theology is characterised by a hermeneutic rediscovery. In the third part, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theology is brought into conversation with Luther. It is asked how Bonhoeffer received Luther’s theology – more specifically, how he re-appropriated the hermeneutic inherent in Luther’s earlier theology. In the final part, it is asked what the theological hermeneutic inherent in Luther’s earlier theology – re-appropriated by Bonhoeffer – can mean for South African churches commemorating the Protestant Reformations. K1 Sociology and Ethics K1 Ancient Semitic and Classical Languages K1 Philosophy K1 Aspects of Religious Studies K1 Practical Theology K1 Ministers of Religion K1 Scholars K1 Philosophers K1 Theologians K1 Netherdutch Reformed Church K1 Theology DO 10.4102/hts.v74i1.4808