The Bishop's Candlesticks: How Bishop Showed the Convict that Man is the Temple of Living God

The Bishop's Candlesticks is a powerful play written by Victor Hugo. In Chapter 14, the Bishop helps the convict, Jean Valjean, understand the true nature of humanity and restores his faith in goodness and God. The Bishop demonstrates that man is the temple of the living God through his actions and teachings.

The Bishop's Kindness and Forgiveness:
The Bishop's first act that conveys the idea that man is the temple of the living God is his kindness and forgiveness towards Jean Valjean. The Bishop offers him shelter and food, despite knowing that Valjean is an escaped convict. This act of mercy and forgiveness shows that the Bishop believes in the innate goodness of every human being.

Treating Valjean with Respect:
The Bishop treats Valjean with respect and dignity, addressing him as "Monsieur" and not as a criminal. This gesture helps Valjean realize that he is worthy of being treated as a human being, regardless of his past actions. It reinforces the idea that man is the temple of the living God, deserving of respect and compassion.

Sharing his Beliefs:
The Bishop shares his beliefs and faith with Valjean, explaining that love and forgiveness are at the core of Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of helping others and practicing kindness, which resonates deeply with Valjean. Through these teachings, the Bishop shows Valjean that man is not defined by his past mistakes but has the capacity for redemption and goodness.

Selfless Act of Giving:
To further illustrate his point, the Bishop presents Valjean with his most precious possession, the silver candlesticks. By giving away something valuable, the Bishop demonstrates that material possessions hold no importance compared to the value of human life. This act of selflessness reinforces the idea that man is the temple of the living God, and true happiness lies in helping others.

Impact on Valjean:
The Bishop's kindness, forgiveness, respect, teachings, and selflessness deeply impact Valjean. He realizes that he has the power to change and become a better person. Valjean's transformation is seen throughout the rest of the story, as he embraces a life of goodness, compassion, and selflessness.

In conclusion, the Bishop effectively conveys the message that man is the temple of the living God through his kindness, forgiveness, respect, teachings, and selfless act of giving. His actions and words inspire Valjean to change his ways and believe in the inherent goodness within himself and others. The Bishop's character serves as a powerful reminder that every individual has the potential to be a vessel of love and compassion.