You’re viewing the controversy with the advantage of 400 years of hindsight. Imagine going 400 years into the future. What do you think humans in that day (if there are any) would think of our physicist’s interest in string theory? Either the pros or cons would likely be denounced as blind fools.
As modern men, we are repelled by religious authorities meddling in science. By removing science from the oversight of religion, we have been treated to modern marvels like nuclear and biological weapons, cloning, and eugenics.
Yes, and modern marvels like molecular medicines, antibiotics, instantaneous communication and the computer.
If you are against progress then putting religious “oversight” (i.e. the ability to imprison those who promote ideas you disagree with) over science would be a damn fine way of doing it.