Science of Identity Foundation

Key Points

• The Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) is a religious organization founded in the 1970s by Chris Butler in Hawaii, combining yoga, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and vegetarianism.

• Allegations of cult-like behavior, psychological abuse, and controversial teachings, including condemnation of homosexuality and hostility toward Islam, have surfaced from former members.

• SIF has faced significant media scrutiny due to its ties with politician Tulsi Gabbard, who was raised in the SIF community and mentored by Butler.

• No direct customer feedback or consumer reviews are available from the provided source, limiting insights into public perception.

• Legal and financial records are sparse, with no confirmed lawsuits or bankruptcy filings explicitly mentioned in the source.

• Risks include reputational damage due to cult allegations and potential legal scrutiny from former members’ claims.

Overview

The Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) is a new religious movement established in the 1970s by Chris Butler, also known as Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, in Hawaii. Founded after Butler’s departure from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), SIF blends yoga practices with elements of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a Hindu tradition. The organization promotes vegetarianism and spiritual teachings inspired by ancient scriptures, as evidenced by its YouTube channel, which offers kirtan, meditation, and yoga wisdom content. SIF’s theology includes controversial stances, such as condemnation of homosexuality and skepticism toward Islam and modern science. The group has garnered attention primarily due to its association with former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who was raised within the SIF community.

Allegations and Concerns

Several serious allegations have been raised against SIF, primarily from former members:

• Cult-Like Behavior: Ex-members describe SIF as a cult, claiming Butler holds a god-like status and is unquestionable. They allege he publicly mocked devotees, framing it as “Krishna’s mercy.”

• Controversial Teachings: Butler’s teachings from the 1980s reportedly equate bisexual relations with pedophilia and bestiality, alongside hostility toward Islam and skepticism of science.

• Psychological Abuse: Former members report psychological manipulation, including public humiliation and intense control over devotees’ lives.

• Media Threats: In 2019, Butler threatened to sue the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for planning to publish ex-members’ accounts, indicating efforts to suppress criticism. These allegations have fueled media scrutiny, particularly due to SIF’s connection to Tulsi Gabbard, though no formal lawsuits are confirmed in the source.

Customer Feedback

The provided source does not contain direct customer or consumer feedback, such as reviews or testimonials, about SIF. The absence of this information limits the ability to gauge public sentiment or member experiences beyond the allegations from former members. SIF’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com) suggests positive engagement through spiritual content, but no specific quotes or examples of user feedback are available. Without broader data, it’s challenging to assess whether members view SIF positively or negatively.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: Allegations of cult-like behavior and controversial teachings could deter potential members and damage SIF’s public image, especially given media coverage linking it to Tulsi Gabbard.

• Legal Risk: Threats to sue media outlets suggest potential for future litigation, either from SIF against critics or from ex-members against SIF for alleged abuse.

• Financial Risk: No specific financial data is provided, but reliance on donations or member contributions, common in religious organizations, could be disrupted if membership declines due to negative publicity.

• Operational Risk: SIF’s centralized leadership under Butler poses a risk if his reputation or health falters, potentially destabilizing the organization.

Business Relations and Associations

• Chris Butler: Founder and central figure, previously known as Sai Young in the Hare Krishna movement. His influence is pivotal, with ex-members describing his authority as absolute.

• Tulsi Gabbard: A prominent former U.S. Representative raised in the SIF community, mentored by Butler. Her parents, Mike and Carol Gabbard, are also SIF members, amplifying the group’s political visibility.

• No Formal Partnerships: The source does not mention corporate or institutional partnerships, suggesting SIF operates primarily as a religious community with internal leadership.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Legal Issues: No active lawsuits or legal judgments against SIF are documented in the source. However, Butler’s 2019 threat to sue the Honolulu Star-Advertiser indicates a defensive stance against media scrutiny.

• Financial Status: The source provides no details on SIF’s financial health, such as revenue, assets, debts, or bankruptcy filings. As a religious organization, SIF likely relies on donations, but no evidence of financial distress or mismanagement is presented.

• Regulatory Compliance: No regulatory violations or investigations are noted, though the lack of transparency in financial operations is a potential concern.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

The Science of Identity Foundation presents a complex profile as a religious organization with significant reputational challenges. Pros include its appeal to individuals seeking spiritual guidance through yoga and Gaudiya Vaishnavism, potentially offering a sense of community and purpose. Its YouTube presence suggests efforts to engage a broader audience positively. However, cons are substantial: allegations of cult-like control, psychological abuse, and divisive teachings raise red flags about member welfare and organizational ethics. The lack of financial transparency and reliance on a single leader further heighten risks.

Cautionary Advice: Individuals considering involvement with SIF should approach with skepticism, researching ex-member accounts and media reports thoroughly. Potential members should verify the organization’s financial practices and assess the psychological environment, given reports of manipulation. For researchers or journalists, SIF’s legal threats suggest caution when publicizing critical findings, though independent scrutiny is warranted.

Key Citations

• Wikipedia, “Science of Identity Foundation,” en.m.wikipedia.org, 2019-10-07.

• Science of Identity Foundation YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com.