The Benevolent Empire is a term used to describe the network of Protestant reform societies that were prominent in the United States between 1815 and 1861.
Voluntary societies were also created to suppress immoral behaviors such as gambling and dueling.
Societies built orphanages and provided job placement and child care programs to the urban poor.
Perfectionism is the belief that Christians can attain a higher level of sanctification or holiness by devoting themselves completely to loving God and their neighbors.
Ministers taught that Christians had a responsibility to improve the world to prepare it for Christ's return.