movement. The idea is that, by not performing the act of thrusting or movement associated with sex, they avoid violating religious codes that condemn premarital sex. The intent behind soaking is to maintain the technicality that one is not engaging in the full sexual act, although there is still physical intimacy involved.
Mormon Values and Sexual Purity: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) strongly emphasizes sexual purity. Premarital sex, often referred to as “fornication” within church doctrine, is considered sinful. Members are encouraged to follow a law of chastity, which includes abstaining from all sexual relations outside marriage. The principle of chastity is not merely about refraining from sex but is viewed as essential to spiritual purity and the sanctity of marriage.
The Social Pressures on Young Mormons: Growing up in a culture where strict guidelines on morality and chastity are emphasized creates a unique set of challenges for young Mormons, especially as they attend college, serve on missions, and navigate social circles where dating is common. Many face the dual pressure of living up to religious standards while managing their human desires and curiosity about relationships. Some might resort to practices like soaking as a way to satisfy these needs without feeling they have broken church doctrine, though the church does not endorse or encourage any such behavior.
Other “Workarounds” and Urban Legends: Stories about other methods of physical intimacy among Mormons have circulated in popular culture, often with humorous or scandalous twists. Another concept associated with soaking is “jump-humping,” where a third person may jump on the bed to create movement for the couple without them technically moving. This, like soaking, is viewed by many as a loophole that young Mormons use in an attempt to uphold religious principles, though it remains controversial and widely discouraged by the church.
Why Soaking Has Gained Attention Online: The internet has been instrumental in spreading awareness of the concept of soaking, often through social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram. The idea has generated mixed reactions—some people find it humorous or strange, while others empathize with the complex social and religious pressures that young Mormons face. Soaking and related practices have thus become topics of memes, jokes, and discussions across the internet, reflecting curiosity and sometimes misunderstandings about Mormon culture.
The LDS Church’s Official Stance: The LDS Church does not explicitly address practices like soaking or any similar activity as part of its teachings or doctrines. However, church leaders encourage followers to keep the law of chastity in all aspects, which likely includes abstaining from physical intimacy designed to simulate sexual activity, even without movement. For the church, the intent and purity of thoughts are as essential as the physical act, so attempting to circumvent religious teachings in this way would generally be considered incompatible with church standards.
Psychological and Social Implications: For some individuals, practices like soaking can lead to internal conflict, guilt, or cognitive dissonance. They may view these actions as technically permissible but still feel that they are compromising their beliefs. This reflects a larger conversation around human desires, religious expectations, and how young people navigate those boundaries in restrictive environments. The influence of community and peer perceptions also plays a role, as young Mormons may feel judged or ostracized for any perceived “missteps.”
The Cultural Dialogue Around Soaking: Beyond Mormonism, soaking has also raised questions about how religious communities worldwide address the topic of sexual purity and youth. Some see the practice as a manifestation of the strict approach to chastity within Mormon culture, which may inadvertently push young people to find unconventional ways to explore their sexuality without risking their standing within the church.
Comedy and Criticism: The idea of soaking has become a target for comedic material, with some media outlets and comedians portraying it as a bizarre or amusing concept. Others criticize such portrayals, arguing that they oversimplify and misrepresent Mormonism or that they lack an understanding of the personal and religious struggles that young members might face. This intersection of faith, sexuality, and humor reflects broader societal views on religion and cultural practices, often spotlighting a curiosity and misunderstanding that can be both unifying and divisive.
Exploring Healthy Boundaries in Religion: The phenomenon of soaking raises questions about how religious institutions might better support their young members in understanding and navigating relationships and sexuality. While strict adherence to chastity is part of Mormon doctrine, some suggest that greater openness and education about sexuality might reduce the need for young people to resort to technicalities.
