Book excerpt: The story of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, like the gospel stories of Jesus' life, contains tools of transformation. In the pages of The Gospel According to Beauty and the Beast, Mary Scifres illuminates the teachings of Jesus in light of the lessons that Belle, Beast, and their many fairytale friends discover as they embark on journeys of both personal and communal transformation. With Mary's insights, you will explore the transformative power of perception, perspective, self-giving love, and even community. Through the words of a skillful story teller, you will discover the wisdom of both scripture and fairy tales, and will learn the tools to help guide your own transformative journeys. Guided by the beautiful lessons of Jesus' teachings and the inspiring and transformative tale of Beauty and the Beast, discover your own "happily ever after" as you move toward a fuller, freer life of purpose, joy, love, and meaning.