They are not considered to be a cult by other mainstream Christian groups. They don’t do pressure tactic recruiting and indoctrinating (brainwashing)ike most cults do.
They’re basically ordinary Christians who keep the Sabbath on Saturday and are more dedicated to healthy living and diet than most people in general. That’s why the majority are vegetarians.
What @Darth_Algar described about their after-death belief is accurate and is termed “soul sleep”. They are not the only grouo believing this and there is Biblical foundation for this view.
So, they aren’t really that far on the fringes at all and generally not aggressive about proselytizing the way that the JWs are. They also don’t ostracize other family members who do not share their beliefs.
That, is one of the chief markers of cults.; the attempt to keep members isolated from family. Scientologists (as well as others are known for this).
I doubt you need to be more concerned about interacting with them than you woukd be about most Christians in general.
BTW: Wintley Phipps is a SDA pastor with a wonderful singing voice. He is close with Billy Graham and family and has participated in numerous BG Crusades.
If this grouo were a cult, I can’t imagine Billy Graham having anything to do with them at all, much less feature one as a musical guest in meetings.
BTW AGAIN: For those of you who enjoy videos of hymns being sung in the beautiful surroundings of nature, there is a small Adventist boarding school in BC Canada that has made this thei r specialty and they go to quite some great lengths to accomplish this.
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Check out this sample. Can you imagine how much work was involved in setting up the piano and positioning the students? It’s pretty impressive.
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https://youtu.be/INo42lyvszY
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And for those of you who don’t enjoy this, no one is forcing you to watch :)
No need to get offended. Just ignore the link.