Ah yes… Soaking… If you’ve stumbled upon this term, particularly in discussions around Mormon culture, you might be scratching your head. As someone deeply familiar with the nuances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, let me shed some light on this peculiar concept. My name is Max Pond, and as the owner of this website and an active member of the Mormon faith, I want to offer a genuine insider’s perspective. Having graduated from BYU Provo in 2015 and navigated Mormon culture firsthand, including encountering the phenomenon of “soaking,” I can provide clarity and context.
Delving into “Mormon Soaking”: What Does It Really Mean?
“Mormon soaking” is a term that has gained traction, often in hushed tones and online forums, referring to a rumored practice among some individuals within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s described as an attempt to navigate the Church’s clear doctrines on chastity and abstinence before marriage in a… well, let’s just say, unconventional way.
In essence, “soaking” is said to involve a couple engaging in intimate sexual contact, specifically penetration, but with a purported loophole: no movement. Think of it as sexual intercourse, but intentionally removing the “course,” leaving only the “inter.” You might also hear it referred to by other euphemisms like “parking” or “docking.”
To put it plainly, soaking is when a male inserts his penis into a vagina to the point of penetration, with the explicit understanding that no further movement or thrusting will occur.
Is Soaking Acceptable Within the Mormon Church? Absolutely Not.
The entire premise behind soaking hinges on a flawed interpretation of Mormon teachings. The rumor suggests that by eliminating movement, couples believe they technically remain within the boundaries of the Church’s chastity guidelines. However, this line of reasoning completely misses the core message of LDS teachings on sexual purity.
The Church’s doctrine emphasizes a holistic view of chastity, extending far beyond mere physical acts. It encompasses mental and emotional purity, stressing the importance of maintaining pure thoughts and avoiding any actions that could incite sexual arousal before marriage.
To truly grasp this, one must understand the profound significance the LDS Church places on the law of chastity. In LDS doctrine, chastity is not simply about abstaining from premarital sex. It’s about cultivating a deep spiritual connection with another person and holding the human body, and sexual intimacy, as sacred. Engaging in practices like “soaking,” regardless of the absence of movement, fundamentally violates this spiritual principle. It disregards the spirit of the law, even if someone attempts to argue about the letter of it.
Clearing Up Misconceptions: Soaking is Not Mainstream Mormon Culture
Much of the online chatter surrounding “soaking” paints a picture of it being a widespread practice among Mormons. This is simply inaccurate. It’s crucial to understand that “Mormon soaking” is a fringe phenomenon, not a reflection of mainstream Mormon beliefs or behaviors. The actions of a few individuals should not be misconstrued as representative of the entire Church membership, which numbers in the millions worldwide.
Furthermore, it’s important to know that the vast majority of members of the LDS Church find the concept of “soaking” just as perplexing and bizarre as those outside the Church. It is by no means a standard part of the Mormon experience, nor is it an accepted workaround to LDS doctrine. Most Mormons are deeply committed to their faith’s teachings on chastity and are often genuinely surprised and even amused when they first encounter the notion of “soaking.”
Let’s reiterate: “Mormon soaking” is not an accurate portrayal of LDS teachings or typical conduct among Church members. Instead, it’s an unusual and uncommon practice that has been disproportionately amplified in popular media and online discussions, largely due to its inherently absurd and somewhat comical nature. As a member of the Church, it’s important to dispel these misconceptions and promote a more accurate understanding of our beliefs and practices, which are centered on respect, love, and genuine commitment in relationships, all within the bounds of chastity as taught by Jesus Christ.
