I remember that when Tom is introduced, the phasing was something like, '...he was there at the beginning, etc." the echoes where like, 'in the beginning was the Word,..."
I felt that he wasn't just innocent, but that he understood everything including evil so thoroughly, beginning to end, that that knowledge lent him the ability not to be tempted. Kinda like, he could see right through it to the end, and then not begin that journey.
As a Christian person, it's "overcoming" temptations that strengthen us, but also, as we mature, we are tempted less frequently because we understand evil.
Did that make sense?
Actually, yes it does make sense. I'm not quite ready to elevate Tom to God-likeness though, but I understand what you're saying.
OK, following on your theme. Tom was there in the beginning. One of Tom's most defining characteristics is his love for Goldmoon. Tom has an intimate relationship with the natural world. Is Tom an Adam figure?
I have to disagree with your "Bombadil as Christ-figure" idea... to me, it just isn't there. He's not innocent because he knows everything; he's innocent because he doesn't care. Things that are outside his domain don't bother him at all. I don't think they are "real" to him.