Covenant and Constitution

Jenna Hays
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Monthly

Covenant & Constitution is a comprehensive resource for understanding Christian Moral & Political Theology, applied for the Church. How should we, as believers, understand modern political issues in light of Scripture? Jenna Hays is Founder of Mountain Academy, a K-10th American Classical Christian Leadership Academy in Oregon. She’s also co-host of The School of Life podcast which is a comparative worldview podcast, dissecting the prevailing worldviews of our day. Jenna grew up as a minority thinker (as a conservative Christian) in a radical leftist progressive city and while attending the University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University. Leaving with a degree in Political Science, she knows firsthand the ideological soil of our cultural moment. This became the training ground to truly understand what it means to live as a faithful exile in a modern Babylon. She learned from early on that one must develop entirely different spiritual muscles to effectively engage our cultural moment from the lens of unchanging Biblical truth. In this podcast, Jenna utilizes the texts & thoughts of thinkers such as: - Dr. Wayne Grudem’s books, “Politics According to the Bible,” and “Ethics” - Nancy Pearcey's book, "Total Truth” - Oliver O’Donovan and Joan Lockwood O’Donovan‘s book “Bonds of Perfection,” - Hillsdale College’s Western Heritage Reader and their Civics curriculum - Scott David Allen’s book “ Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice” - Voddie Baucham’s book “It’s Not Like Being Black” - Eric Metaxes’s book “Letter to the American Church” and “Religionless Christianity” - Thomas Sowell’s books “ Discrimination and Disparities,” and “Basic Economics” In this podcast, Jenna examines questions such as: Should churches exert any influence in politics? Should pastors preach about political issues? Is there only one “Christian“ position on political issues? How should we think through American civics with a worldview lens? Did the Church become more political, or has government reached into the church’s sphere? What happens when God’s instruction to individuals, to the Church, and to the government get blurred? This podcast offers a bite-sized approach for average people to study the specific issues of our cultural moment from a Biblical worldview. www.jennahays.com

  1. Apr 27

    You Can’t Heal What You Won’t Surrender

    In this teaching from Matthew 15:29–32, Jenna walks through Jesus’ ministry in the Decapolis, where great crowds brought the lame, blind, crippled, mute, and many others to His feet — and He healed them. But this message presses deeper than physical healing. It asks: what areas of our lives are spiritually blind, crippled, muted, wounded, addicted, offended, or hidden from God? Through the story of Jesus healing in Gentile territory, Jenna invites listeners to lay every hidden burden, sin, wound, fear, and false identity at the feet of Christ. This message is a call to surrender — not merely to receive Jesus as healer or deliverer, but as Lord over the whole life. True encounter with Jesus changes everything: our identity, our prayer life, our obedience, our endurance, and our willingness to fight the spiritual battles before us. A powerful message on surrender, healing, repentance, identity, and the compassion of Christ.

    54 min

  2. Apr 25

    “Government Should Exclude Religion”

    In this episode, Jenna continues with the 2nd of the 5 broadly held mistaken views regarding the role of Christians in politics according to Dr. Wayne Grudem.

    32 min

  3. Apr 20

    Even the Dogs Eat the Crumbs: Humility, Persistence, and Great Faith

    A Hard Saying In this powerful and deeply personal sermon, we walk through the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22–29—a passage that at first glance can feel surprising, even uncomfortable, but ultimately reveals something profound about the nature of faith. Why does Jesus seem to ignore her? Why does He speak so sharply? And why does this woman refuse to walk away? Through careful examination of the text, this message explores the tension, testing, and transformation taking place in this interaction. We see a woman marked by desperation, yet defined by persistence—one who refuses to be offended, refuses to retreat, and instead presses forward with humility and bold trust. This sermon challenges us to consider: • What real faith looks like when God seems silent • The difference between entitlement and humility before the Lord • How persistence in prayer reveals what we truly believe about Jesus • Why even “crumbs” from Christ are more than enough Ultimately, this passage reveals not rejection—but invitation. A faith that clings to Christ, even in confusion, suffering, and waiting — that is a faith that He honors.

    1h 5m

  4. Mar 12

    Civics & Worldview Ep 8: Who Decides Our Rights? The Supreme Court and Constitutional Power

    In this episode of our Civics and Worldview series, we take a closer look at the judicial branch of the United States government—what the Constitution says about it, what the founders intended, and how the role of the courts has evolved over time. We explore the purpose of the judiciary within the separation of powers. The courts were designed to interpret the law—not to make it. Yet over the past two centuries, especially following the establishment of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court has increasingly played a powerful role in shaping national policy through constitutional interpretation. You’ll often hear the criticism that Christians have become “too political.” But many would say something else happened first: politics expanded into spaces it had never occupied before. Government once focused on things like collecting taxes, building roads, and issuing driver’s licenses. But when courts began defining marriage, granting legal protection to abortion, and weighing in on questions of gender and identity, the state stepped into institutions that had historically been shaped by family, faith, and community. In doing so, the lines between these spheres blurred. And once the state began redefining those foundations of society, people of faith inevitably found themselves defending what had once been considered pre-political truths. In this conversation, we examine the ongoing debate about judicial activism versus judicial restraint—and how, in certain landmark rulings, the Court has interpreted constitutional language in ways that critics argue effectively create new rights not explicitly found in the text of the Constitution. These decisions have had profound effects on issues like life, marriage, and the definition of equality. But this episode goes deeper than constitutional mechanics. It asks an important question: How do underlying worldviews influence the way laws are interpreted? Questions about human identity, family, morality, and justice cannot be separated from deeper beliefs about truth and human nature. When courts weigh in on these questions, worldview inevitably plays a role. As citizens in a constitutional republic, understanding how the judicial branch functions—and where its authority begins and ends—is essential for thoughtful engagement in civic life. We close this episode by stepping back from politics and remembering something even more important. In a time when global tensions and geopolitical uncertainty can feel overwhelming, our hope does not ultimately rest in courts, governments, or political outcomes. Our hope rests in the unchanging character of God. When the world feels unstable and the future unclear, we are called to lean into trust, prayer, and deeper intimacy with God, anchoring ourselves in the truth of the gospel and the faithfulness of the One who holds history in His hands. Even in uncertain times, God remains good, sovereign, and faithful. Show Notes & Sources Foundational Constitutional Texts     •    United States Constitution Article III     •    The Federalist Papers – Federalist No. 78 Landmark Supreme Court Decision     •    Marbury v. Madison Philosophical Reference     •    The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis Lewis explores the dangers of moral relativism and warns about the potential rise of “benevolent tyranny” when objective moral truths are replaced by shifting human preferences. Educational Resources     •    Hillsdale College – Constitution & Civics Courses Hillsdale’s Constitution and civics curriculum provides instruction on:     ◦    The structure of the judicial branch     ◦    The role of the Supreme Court     ◦    Judicial review     ◦    Judicial activism vs. judicial restraint Learn more at: https://online.hillsdale.edu Recommended Reading     •    The Federalist Papers (Federalist Nos. 78–83) – A deeper look at the founders’ thinking on the courts and the separation of powers.

    51 min

  5. Mar 5

    Civics & Worldview Ep 7– The Presidency Explained: Design, Power, and Constitutional Limits

    What is the president actually supposed to do? Most Americans think of the presidency in terms of personalities, headlines, and political battles—but the Constitution describes something much deeper and more structured. In this episode, we step back from the noise and explore the original design of the executive branch. Why did the Founders believe a single executive was necessary? What powers does the president actually have—and just as importantly, what powers does the president not have? We also examine how four key constitutional amendments—the 12th, 20th, 22nd, and 25th—have reshaped the presidency over time. From fixing early election problems to setting term limits and clarifying presidential succession, these changes reveal how the American system has adapted while trying to preserve its original balance of power. Along the way, we ask deeper worldview questions:     •    Why did the Founders fear concentrated power?     •    How does the Constitution attempt to restrain human ambition?     •    And what happens when citizens misunderstand the role of the presidency? Whether you’re a student of civics, a concerned citizen, or simply someone who wants to better understand how our government was designed to function, this episode will help you see the presidency through the lens of constitutional structure, historical wisdom, and the enduring challenge of self-government. Primary Sources for Further Study (Referenced in this episode on the Executive Branch) Foundational Constitutional Texts ​ The United States Constitution, Article II – The Executive Branch ​ The 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1804) – Reforming the presidential election process ​ The 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1933) – Changing inauguration dates and presidential succession procedures ​ The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1951) – Presidential term limits ​ The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1967) – Presidential succession and disability Founders’ Writings on Executive Power ​ The Federalist No. 70 — Alexander HamiltonOn the importance of an energetic executive ​ The Federalist No. 69 — Alexander HamiltonComparing the American presidency to monarchy ​ The Federalist No. 51 — James MadisonOn checks and balances in government ⸻ Historical Reference ​ The National Archives – The Electoral College Explainedhttps://www.archives.gov/electoral-college ​ Library of Congress – The Presidency and the Constitutionhttps://guides.loc.gov/presidency Recommended Civics Learning Resources ​ Hillsdale College – Constitution 101 Coursehttps://online.hillsdale.edu/courses/constitution-101 ​ National Constitution Center – Interactive Constitutionhttps://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution

    47 min

  6. Feb 26

    When the Idols Fall: A Call Back to the Unshakable Kingdom

    In this unscripted and deeply personal episode, I speak candidly about the growing geopolitical and national instability we’re witnessing right now — from the unraveling of powerful institutions, to cultural upheaval, global tensions, division, and the erosion of public trust. It can feel like everything is shaking. But what if that shaking is not random? What if we are watching the slow collapse of our cultural idols — the gods of power, security, comfort, celebrity, technology, and political saviors — revealing themselves to be fragile substitutes for the One true God? In moments like this, the people of God have a choice. We can be swept into fear, outrage, and constant reaction… or we can return to the ancient paths. Crisis often precedes renewal. Throughout history, seasons of exposure and instability have prepared the ground for spiritual awakening. When false foundations crumble, hearts become hungry again for what is real. If you are a believer, this is an encouragement to remember who you are and what you carry. We bear the gospel — the only message that truly satisfies the longing and the deepest need of the human soul. If you are not a Christian, this may be the invitation you didn’t know you were waiting for. The idols are failing. The promises of the age are thin. There is a better King. Now is the time to seek Him while He may be found. And let the erosion of our trust structures drive you toward the only unshakable Kingdom.

    53 min

  7. Feb 23

    Civics & Worldview Ep 6: Congress and the Moral Logic of the Constitution

    In this episode of Covenant & Constitution, we walk through the structure, purpose, and moral logic of Congress. What did the Founders intend when they vested legislative authority in Congress? Why is lawmaking deliberately slow? And what does the structure of the House and Senate reveal about human nature, power, and accountability? We explore: • Why Article I comes first in the Constitution • The difference between representation and direct democracy • How bicameralism restrains impulse and protects minority voices • The lawmaking process — and why its friction is a feature, not a flaw • The moral responsibility of legislators under natural law and biblical anthropology This episode is not merely procedural. It is philosophical. Law is not neutral - It reflects moral judgment. Legislation reveals what a nation believes about justice, human dignity, responsibility, and the limits of authority. We also ask an uncomfortable question: What happens when representatives abandon self-government, virtue, and constitutional boundaries? If we want a healthy republic, we must understand not only how Congress works — but why it was designed the way it was. This episode is part of an ongoing effort to equip families, students, and citizens to think clearly about government through a serious, biblically informed lens. Listen in as we recover the architecture of legislative power — and what it demands of us. Sources & References Primary Constitutional Documents • The United States Constitution, Article I • The Federalist Papers, especially: • Federalist No. 10 (James Madison) • Federalist No. 51 (James Madison) • Federalist No. 62 (James Madison) • Federalist No. 63 (James Madison) ⸻ Hillsdale College Resources • Hillsdale College, Introduction to the Constitution (Larry P. Arnn) • Hillsdale College, The U.S. Constitution: A Reader ⸻ Founding-Era Context • James Madison, Notes from the Constitutional Convention (1787) • The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution (Elliot’s Debates) • The Declaration of Independence (1776) ⸻ Philosophical & Moral Framework • John Locke, Second Treatise of Government • Montesquieu, The Spirit of the Laws • Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England ⸻ Christian Worldview & Moral Anthropology • Romans 13:1–7 • Genesis 1–3 (human nature and fall) • Augustine, The City of God (two cities framework) • Nancy Pearcey, Total Truth • Wayne Grudem, Politics According to the Bible • Roy Clouser, The Myth of Religious Neutrality ⸻ Modern Commentary & Analysis • Thomas Sowell, The Vision of the Anointed

    47 min

  8. Feb 13

    Civics & Worldview Ep.5: When We Call It a ‘Right’… What Changes?

    You’ve heard the phrases: “Healthcare is a human right.” “Reproductive rights.” “Education is a right.” “Housing is a right.” But what do those statements actually mean? In this episode, we slow down and unpack the word right itself. • Is a right something that protects you from government interference? • Or is it something someone else must provide for you? Because that difference changes everything. We look at how the American founding originally understood rights — like free speech, religious liberty, and property — as protections from coercion. Then we contrast that with modern claims that certain goods and services must be guaranteed. If healthcare is a right, who is responsible to provide it? If something is called a human right, does that mean someone else is obligated to supply it? Where does conscience fit when participation is required? What happens when average families, already managing real scarcity, are told they must bear new obligations in the name of justice? We also examine the theological side of this conversation: What does the Bible call justice? Does Scripture define justice as equal outcomes? How do compassion, personal responsibility, and stewardship all fit together? This episode isn’t about dismissing care for the vulnerable — It’s about asking deeper questions: • When does compassion become compulsion? • When does justice become redistribution? And what do we risk losing when we redefine rights? If you’ve never really examined the assumptions behind phrases like “human right,” this episode will give you a first clear framework for thinking about them.

    1h 27m
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About

Covenant & Constitution is a comprehensive resource for understanding Christian Moral & Political Theology, applied for the Church. How should we, as believers, understand modern political issues in light of Scripture? Jenna Hays is Founder of Mountain Academy, a K-10th American Classical Christian Leadership Academy in Oregon. She’s also co-host of The School of Life podcast which is a comparative worldview podcast, dissecting the prevailing worldviews of our day. Jenna grew up as a minority thinker (as a conservative Christian) in a radical leftist progressive city and while attending the University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University. Leaving with a degree in Political Science, she knows firsthand the ideological soil of our cultural moment. This became the training ground to truly understand what it means to live as a faithful exile in a modern Babylon. She learned from early on that one must develop entirely different spiritual muscles to effectively engage our cultural moment from the lens of unchanging Biblical truth. In this podcast, Jenna utilizes the texts & thoughts of thinkers such as: - Dr. Wayne Grudem’s books, “Politics According to the Bible,” and “Ethics” - Nancy Pearcey's book, "Total Truth” - Oliver O’Donovan and Joan Lockwood O’Donovan‘s book “Bonds of Perfection,” - Hillsdale College’s Western Heritage Reader and their Civics curriculum - Scott David Allen’s book “ Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice” - Voddie Baucham’s book “It’s Not Like Being Black” - Eric Metaxes’s book “Letter to the American Church” and “Religionless Christianity” - Thomas Sowell’s books “ Discrimination and Disparities,” and “Basic Economics” In this podcast, Jenna examines questions such as: Should churches exert any influence in politics? Should pastors preach about political issues? Is there only one “Christian“ position on political issues? How should we think through American civics with a worldview lens? Did the Church become more political, or has government reached into the church’s sphere? What happens when God’s instruction to individuals, to the Church, and to the government get blurred? This podcast offers a bite-sized approach for average people to study the specific issues of our cultural moment from a Biblical worldview. www.jennahays.com

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