There's a story about Jesus and Satan told 30 years ago by an adherent of Javanese mysticism. When Je-sus was born, the story goes, God summoned Satan. Jesus was born today," God told the Prince of Darkness. "You're finished. You will lose in winning over the hearts of men."

Satan was dumbstruck. Nervously, he took his leave. He retreated to his study and thought long and hard. On the third day he found the answer. He came before God and said: