Another physical illustration of Christ is that he is a " small white-haired boy .dim and ancient, like a child who had been a child for centuries" (91); symbolic of truth and the untainted love of God. Bishop is wise, innocent and knows nothing of the world or how that it loves. Bishop's heart is like that of the Jesus, even after he being continually resisted and pushed away, his love for others does not wither. Bishop's love is strong and unconditional. It does not matter that his father tells others to "[j]ust forget [he] exists (h)e's just a mistake of nature. Try not even to be aware of him" (117), for Bishop's passion is an ongoing, unaltered flame. He desires only to seek after those he loves and to show them affection. He has an unsuspicious free love, given to all. Rayber wrestles against his emotions and at times Bishop gets close but Rayber " pushe[s] Bishop off and [stands] up" (114). Even despite all that the pain that he bears there is nothing that Rayber can do to hinder Bishop from reaching out. He is so persistent to have physical contact, as God desires to touch his children. Touch is an ancient tradition; a truth of physical contact embodied in Bishop. Rayber " tried to slide him off but the little boy [Bishop] hung on, thrusting his head against his father's neck- (93). Bishop has a constant burning desire inside of him to reach out and hold on. As he revives from his father's attempt to kill him, he continues to shows nothing but unconditional love as though it never happened. The love is an agape love, being of God himself, an unsuspicious free love, given to all that " never fails" (Bible 1204).
Bishops love towards his father is similar to vinegar poured over baking soda. His very presence is a constant reminder of something Rayber had once experienced and triggers a love within him. Bishop does not fit into any of his father's categories but then neither does Rayber's own behavior toward the child.