Mormon Soaking: Myths, Facts, and LDS Teachings
Curiosity often sparks conversations about different cultural practices, and one such topic that has caught attention is related to certain LDS (Latter-day Saints) communities. This practice, sometimes referred to as Mormon soaking, has been discussed widely on social media, blending elements of humor and misunderstanding.
While it may sound strange to some, it’s important to understand the context behind it. By exploring its cultural and religious roots, this article sheds light on what this term means, where it came from, and why it’s become a topic of discussion online and beyond.
What is Mormon Soaking?
Mormon soaking refers to a practice in which two people engage in penetrative contact but do not involve active movement or thrusting, with the intention of avoiding what is traditionally defined as intercourse. In this context, participants believe they are preserving their chastity, as they avoid what they perceive to be the sinful act of sexual intercourse, technically staying within the boundaries of their religious teachings.
The act of soaking typically involves one partner remaining still while the other is “soaked” by the other partner’s presence, hence the name. This motionless state is thought by some to not violate the law of chastity since there is no active sexual movement. In some instances, a third person, commonly referred to in online discussions as a “jump humper,” may join in to create movement, further distancing the participants from directly engaging in intercourse.
While Mormon soaking has gained attention, especially on social media, it remains a controversial topic within LDS communities. Many view it as a misconception or misunderstanding of religious teachings, and it’s important to note that the LDS Church does not endorse or recognize this behavior as acceptable.
Despite its viral nature in memes and online discussions, soaking represents a deeper issue regarding the intersection of faith, sexuality, and personal choices among young LDS members.
Cultural and Religious Background
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) places a strong emphasis on sexual purity and chastity, particularly for its unmarried members. This cultural norm is deeply rooted in LDS teachings, where premarital sex is considered a violation of the Church’s law of chastity.
From a young age, members are taught to adhere strictly to these principles, with the expectation of remaining sexually pure until marriage. This is viewed as essential to maintaining spiritual worthiness and is reinforced through religious instruction, community norms, and temple ceremonies.
In addition to these formal religious teachings, the social environment within the LDS community often emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability when it comes to sexual conduct. However, human sexuality is complex, and the tension between religious teachings and personal desires sometimes leads to creative interpretations of what constitutes breaking the law of chastity. This is where Mormon soaking comes into the conversation.
While not officially condoned or recognized by the LDS Church, soaking is perceived by some as a loophole in the law of chastity, where technical definitions of intercourse are avoided in an attempt to maintain “purity.” It reflects the challenges many young members face in balancing religious expectations with natural sexual urges.
Though not widespread, the concept of soaking highlights how strict moral guidelines can sometimes lead to unexpected cultural behaviors, as individuals try to navigate their faith and personal lives.
Jump Humping: A Related Practice
Jump humping is a term that has emerged alongside Mormon soaking, adding another layer of complexity to the conversation. This practice involves a third party actively contributing to the motion by physically jumping on the bed or nearby surface, while two individuals are engaged in soaking.
The idea behind this is that the movement is created externally, rather than by the two people involved in soaking, which is seen by some as a way to avoid personal responsibility for any sexual activity.
The role of the third person is significant in this context because, by creating movement without the participants themselves moving, it is thought to further prevent any direct engagement in sexual intercourse.
This third-party involvement makes jump humping an even more peculiar and widely discussed phenomenon, especially in online spaces. Like soaking, jump humping has become a topic of viral discussion on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where people often joke about the absurdity of the concept.
While jump humping has been humorously exaggerated in internet culture, it does raise questions about the lengths some individuals may go to in order to reconcile their natural sexual desires with religious rules. It also emphasizes the creativity and sometimes unusual methods people may use to navigate the strict boundaries set by their faith, often leading to confusion or moral gray areas.
Though not a widespread practice, jump humping serves as a symbol of the tension between religious teachings and human behavior.
Myths and Misconceptions
Because Mormon soaking and jump humping have gained traction largely through social media and internet memes, many misconceptions have formed around these practices. Here are a few common myths:
1. Myth: Soaking is a widely accepted practice among all LDS members.
Reality: While soaking is discussed in some LDS circles, especially among young adults, it is far from a universally accepted or widespread behavior. In fact, many LDS members may never have heard of it or might strongly disapprove of it. The practice has become more popularized through online discussions and memes rather than being a regular part of LDS culture.
2. Myth: Soaking allows participants to avoid breaking the law of chastity.
Reality: The law of chastity in the LDS Church is clear about the importance of sexual purity, and soaking does not align with the spirit of this teaching. While some may believe it’s a loophole, church leaders emphasize the importance of intent and morality, meaning the practice would still be seen as a violation of these principles.
3. Myth: The LDS Church supports or condones soaking and jump humping.
Reality: The LDS Church does not endorse these practices. In fact, these behaviors are not officially recognized by the church and go against the teachings regarding premarital chastity. The discussion of soaking is more of a cultural or social phenomenon rather than anything rooted in official doctrine.
4. Myth: Soaking originated as a long-standing tradition in Mormon culture.
Reality: There is no historical record or evidence to suggest that soaking has been a long-standing tradition within LDS communities. It seems to be more of a modern cultural adaptation or rumor that has gained attention in recent years, largely through internet culture.
These misconceptions often arise from a lack of understanding of both the LDS Church’s teachings and the nuances of religious practices. While the idea of soaking is sometimes sensationalized or exaggerated in media, it’s important to recognize that it is not an officially recognized behavior and does not reflect the beliefs of most LDS members.
Mormon Church’s Stance on Premarital Sexual Practices
The LDS Church maintains a clear and strict stance when it comes to premarital sexual behavior. The law of chastity is one of the core moral teachings of the Church, and it emphasizes that sexual relations are reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. This teaching is rooted in LDS doctrine, which views the body as sacred and regards sexual intimacy as a divine gift meant to be shared only within the bounds of marriage.
Young LDS members are taught from an early age about the importance of maintaining sexual purity. This includes avoiding not only intercourse but also any form of sexual behavior that may lead to breaking the law of chastity, such as passionate kissing, touching, or other acts that could arouse sexual feelings. The church encourages members to remain morally clean and avoid situations where they might be tempted to compromise their chastity.
When it comes to practices like soaking and jump humping, the Church does not provide specific guidance, but these acts clearly fall outside the spirit of the law of chastity. While some individuals may see these practices as technical loopholes, the LDS Church’s teachings emphasize the importance of intent and purity in both thoughts and actions. Engaging in soaking or any similar practice would likely be viewed as inconsistent with the broader moral expectations set by the Church.
The Church’s leaders frequently address the issue of sexual purity in talks and sermons, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the law of chastity and warning against rationalizing behavior that violates this principle. The expectation is that members will strive for moral integrity in both their public and private lives, maintaining chastity in preparation for a future marriage.
In summary, the LDS Church upholds a clear stance that sexual relations are only permissible within marriage. Practices like Mormon soaking and jump humping are not in alignment with this teaching, despite the ways in which they may be framed by some individuals. The emphasis is always on maintaining purity in both thought and deed.
