Butler's teachings included condemnation of homosexuality,[13] suspicion of Islam,[1] Islamophobia,[14] and skepticism of science.[14] In the 1980s, Butler opposed bisexual relations, asserting that these would lead to pedophilia and bestiality.[3]

Multiple ex-members of SIF have described it as a cult; Butler's status has been characterized as "akin to a god" and not willing to be questioned.[6][14][15] They say Butler regularly mocked his devotees, publicly, calling it "a form of Krishna's mercy".[4] Butler denies these allegations;[3][6] and he threatened to sue the Honolulu Star-Advertiser when it planned to publish accounts of ex-followers in 2019.[16]

Association with Tulsi Gabbard

SIF has received a great deal of media coverage due to Tulsi Gabbard's strong ties with the group.[3][17][2][18] Gabbard was raised in the SIF community in Hawaii and considered Butler her mentor.[19] Her parents, Mike Gabbard[3][20][21] and Carol Gabbard,[20] are members of SIF.[18][1] In 2015, she acknowledged Butler as her guru in a video statement for an ISKCON anniversary event.[3][14] Butler has likened her to a star pupil.[3][17] Gabbard has worked to minimize and hide her relationship to Butler and SIF.[18][22][19]