Earlier this month Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered an important speech in Athens with the acropolis in the background. The Wall Street Journal editors described it as the speech of the year. Three of the themes were the root of civilization, the defense of national power, and a call for European nations to wake up.

While talking about the classical roots of the West, he centered on the Greek word thymos, which means courage, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. He lamented the fact that many in the West no longer defend the principles and traditions that made Western civilization successful.

Joseph Loconte, in an article, suggested that Rubio’s description overlooked the significant influence of the Judeo-Christian heritage. But I did not take that as a major criticism since I’ve had both Marco Rubio and Joseph Loconte on my radio program, and I have some idea what they believe about Western culture.

Yes, a Biblical worldview was crucial to the formation of the West. As I’ve mentioned in previous commentaries, the equation is simple. Greece and Rome plus Christianity equals Western Civilization. Remove Christianity and the world starts to look like the Roman Empire.

Foundational to our culture is the belief that humans are created in the image of God, that we are alienated from the Creator, and that God has provided a redemptive purpose for us. Loconte concludes, "Without these beliefs, Western Civilization would not exist."

You know, on this 250th anniversary of this country, it’s worth remembering these ideals. The founders of this country wanted to encourage a moral citizenry based on virtue but also were wary of government giving too much power to sinful individuals.