There is wide agreement among scientists that the universe had a...

There is wide agreement among scientists that the universe had a beginning.

Yes. But Zionism & Xianism also seem to boldly declare the universe had a beginning.

Whatever terms are used, most presuppose the existence of something—something without a beginning—that extended back infinitely.

Yes. Generally, Xuddhists do not concern themselves with a beginning because they state the beginning is a 'beginningless beginning'. As everything must have a preceding cause, how can a beginning or 1st cause be found?


Which of these alternatives seems more reasonable to you?

Neither.

You are posting on the wrong forum.

The beginning of the universe is a matter of geology, astrology, physics, chemistry, biology & other material science. It is unrelated to Philosophy & Religion.

Philosophy & Religion are about what brings the greatest human well-being & happiness.

However, a problem arises when we believe that God creating the world is intrinsic to what we believe will bring us happiness.

For Xuddha, for example, the creation of universe was irrelevant to his path of happiness. Therefore, Xuddha taught discussing the origin of the universe is a form of wrong speech.

But for you, because you believe the Creator of the Universe will give you an Eternal Life, where you will be happy forever, the creation of the universe becomes important to you.

As I said, Philosophy & Religion are about what brings human happiness. This is why Xesus of Nazareth emphasised faith (rather than scientific knowledge).

There is no point trying to prove objects of faith since this will be a contradiction.

Faith is faith. It does not require reason.

Regards