In Art History class today we discussed Bill Viola’s ‘Martyrs’ piece, on loan by the Tate to the St. Paul Cathedral in London. He was commissioned to replace a previous artwork from the cathedral that had a similar theme. The work is a four panel video series displaying martyrdom by the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. It is a striking work that promotes contemplation of what one would be willing to die for. It connects the uncontrollable forces of nature with the uncontrollable strength of fierce faithfulness to a cause through martyrdom. The video is about six minutes long and has a quiet start, progresses into a chaotic climax and terminates with each still figure flooded by light. Art displayed in the medium of video is new for religious venues, and is a cutting edge form to communicate truth and experience artistic representations of the transcendent. Other works we have studied in class include Warhol’s ‘Last Supper’ and Rothko’s ‘Rothko Chapel’. It has been such a blessing to have a place to discuss the sacred in contemporary art.