You're nearly right, L.Ron Hubbard is in fact a particularly bad science fiction writer.

Its a bit of a wierd religion, I wouldn't call it a cult though, these days "cult" just means that the American government doesn't like it.

I would however recomend reading Dianetics , granted it's a load of bollocks but it does teach you how to read, learn and understand difficult text (that's actually what the first chapter is about) Anyone studying should check it out.I wouldn't recomend reading it if you're particularly weak willed though, it does have some pretty convincing arguements so just remember, it's Fiction..