The term “soaking” has recently gained traction online, often associated with Mormon culture and specifically, students at Brigham Young University (BYU). If you’ve stumbled upon this term and are scratching your head, wondering, “What Does Soaking Mean?”, you’re not alone. As someone familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), also known as the Mormon Church, and a graduate of BYU, I can offer some clarity on this peculiar practice.
Defining “Soaking”: What Is It Really?
“Soaking,” in this context, refers to a rumored practice, primarily among some young members of the LDS Church, intended to push the boundaries of the Church’s teachings on chastity before marriage. Essentially, it’s described as a form of intimate physical contact that stops short of what is traditionally considered “sexual intercourse” by some interpretations.
To put it plainly, soaking is said to involve a male inserting his penis into a vagina, achieving penetration, but then consciously avoiding any further movement or thrusting. Think of it as sexual intercourse, minus the “course,” focusing solely on the “inter.” You might also hear it referred to by other names like “parking” or “docking,” and sometimes even the more provocative term “jump humping.”
Alt text: Max Pond, author and Mormon, pictured with his wife and children, emphasizing family values and personal perspective on Mormon practices.
Is Soaking Sanctioned by the Mormon Church? Absolutely Not.
The central idea behind soaking, according to the rumors, is that by eliminating movement, individuals believe they can technically adhere to a very narrow interpretation of the LDS Church’s guidelines on premarital chastity. However, this line of reasoning fundamentally misunderstands the comprehensive nature of the LDS Church’s teachings on sexual purity.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places immense importance on the law of chastity. This doctrine extends far beyond mere physical abstinence before marriage. It encompasses mental and emotional purity as well. This means maintaining wholesome thoughts and avoiding any actions that could incite sexual arousal before marriage is also crucial.
From an LDS doctrinal perspective, chastity is about more than just avoiding sexual acts; it’s about fostering deep spiritual connections and respecting the sanctity of the human body. Engaging in practices like “soaking,” even without physical movement, still violates the underlying spiritual principles of chastity. It disregards the spirit of the law, even if someone attempts to adhere to a hyper-literal interpretation of the word.
Clearing Up Misconceptions About “Mormon Soaking”
It’s crucial to address a significant misconception: the prevalence of soaking. Much of the online discussion around “Mormon soaking” paints it as a widespread practice within the Mormon community. This is simply inaccurate. It is, at best, a fringe phenomenon. It’s vital to understand that the actions of a few individuals do not represent the beliefs or behaviors of the entire membership of the Church.
In reality, the vast majority of members of the LDS Church find the concept of “soaking” just as perplexing and unconventional as those outside the Church. It’s not a standard aspect of Mormon culture, nor is it an accepted loophole within LDS doctrine. Most Mormons are deeply committed to their faith’s teachings on chastity and are often equally surprised and bewildered upon learning about the concept of soaking.
To reiterate, “Mormon soaking” does not accurately reflect LDS teachings or the typical conduct of Church members. Instead, it’s an unusual and uncommon practice that has been disproportionately amplified in popular culture and online discussions, largely due to its inherently absurd and somewhat humorous nature. As a member of the Church, it’s important to dispel these misunderstandings and promote a more accurate understanding of our beliefs, which emphasize genuine respect, love, and commitment in relationships, all within the bounds of chastity as taught by the Church.
