Dietrich Bonhoeffer, like many theologians influenced by the work of Karl Barth, notably diverged from traditional approaches to forming normative ethics. Rather than relying on philosophical underpinnings or ethical systems driven by subjective motives, Bonhoeffer sought a different path. Emphasizing a revelational perspective with a christocentric focus, he forged an ethic that was less about adherence to established norms and more about understanding ethical duty within its specific context. This marked a significant shift within the Neo-Protestant or Neo-Orthodox movement, which increasingly embraced the idea that ethical obligations are contextually discovered, reflecting a broader transition in theological thought after the devastation of World War II.

Bonhoeffer's work on his seminal piece, Ethics, was deeply intertwined with the turbulent historical period in which he lived. Imprisoned at the young age of thirty-seven, Bonhoeffer felt a pressing urgency to complete his work, famously stating, “I sometimes feel as if my life were more or less over, and as if all I had to do now were to finish my Ethics.” His early theological writings had already begun to explore key ethical themes, particularly the notion of Jesus Christ manifesting concretely in the world. While his work evolved over time, Ethics is considered a pivotal point in his intellectual journey, bridging the concepts initially presented in The Cost of Discipleship and leading towards the profound reflections found in Widerstand und Ergebung (1951; Letters and Papers from Prison, 1953).

Bonhoeffer's writings, with their revolutionary take on ethics, came at a time when the world was grappling with unprecedented moral dilemmas. The urgency and depth of his thought were palpably influenced by the weight of history pressing upon him. His move towards a contextual understanding of ethical duty not only resonated with the immediate post-war era's philosophical needs but also offered a fresh framework for future theological exploration. His contributions are now recognized as foundational to understanding modern theological ethics, marking a critical evolution from his predecessors and setting the stage for subsequent theological discourse.