Being an English major, I remember reading Beowulf when I was at BYU in the mid-90s. The movie was an adaptation, but I really enjoyed it. Great storyline and good action (all CGI might I add).
So, why am I blogging about it on LDS Insight? Well, there were many themes in the movie (some apparent and others less apparent) about how power corrupts. The three kings in the movie were all good examples.
In this way, it made me think of this scripture in Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.
True authority and power come from God. When we, as fallible men, think we are the source of power and our heads and egos enlarge, that forebodes our personal fall.
