Well, for several centuries, to be a scholar you had to be a priest or monk. There were no educational institutions who could pay you money, and support from rulers (as well as rulers themselves) could come and go on a whim. So if you wanted a "career" in research (i.e. you were a smart and curious fellow who could read) the Church was your only choice.

This, of course, gave the Church the power to set the cultural and research agenda, and many bad decisions were taken with that power (as well as many good ones, of course), hence the "obscurantist" label. Also, burning one at the stake when you disagree with his theory of the universe is a bit harsh, you'll agree.

I do agree, but I meant that for a very long time science was not considered to be in contrast with faith.