Science of Identity Foundation

The Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) is a Bhakti Yoga spiritual and religious organization, grounded in Hindu  Vaishnava principles, founded by Chris Butler (also known by his Vaishnavite name Siddhaswarupananda Goswami) in 1977, based in Hawaii, United States. Its theology is broadly based on Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana.

Early history
Butler gained followers after founding the Haiku Meditation Center in 1969. He joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1970, and had received the name Siddhaswarupananda. After the death of ISKCON founder A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Butler broke away from ISKCON and founded SIF.

SIF was initially known as the Hari Nama or Holy Name Society. In 1977, Butler estimated the group had 1,000 devotees throughout the world. Butler had a late-night television show called "Chris Butler Speaks" on Hawaii's Channel 13 in the 1980s.

Theology
The organization combines the teaching of yoga and other aspects of Krishnaite Vaishnava Hinduism. Although grounded in Hinduism, Butler has asserted that SIF philosophy of Bhakti yoga "does not conflict with Christianity, with Islam, with any bona fide religious system. We're trying to teach the essence of Bhakti yoga without having anybody say 'Oh that's Hindu' or 'Oh that's Christian'." The teachings are similar to those of Prabhupada: that human beings are "sparks" of God whose sole purpose is to please the Lord.

Followers must practice vegetarianism and are not allowed to drink alcohol, smoke, have illicit sex, or gamble.

Activities
SIF developed a close-knit community of disciples in Hawaii, whose activities include gathering on the beach for kirtan, the practice of singing or chanting sacred songs and learning the spiritual principles of Vaishnava Hinduism.

In 2019, the New Yorker reported that Butler now presents himself less as a Hare Krishna dissident and more as a member of a loosely connected worldwide  Hindu Vaishnava movement.

Reception
A 2019 New York article described Butler as teaching "a virulent homophobia, skepticism of science, and the dangers of public schools".

The Independent reported in 2022 that a former member described SIF's teachings as "virulently homophobic, often anti-Islamic and misogynist" and that SIF followers "were forced to worship Butler, who is considered to be akin to a God." The article described SIF as a "secretive cult".

According to a 2022 Insider article, Butler taught that "homosexuality is evil" and a former SIF member said they were taught that Butler's teachings were not to be questioned by members. Butler denied the allegations.