Quote:
Only with regard to the question about the initial origin of the universe itself.

Not even that. Postulating a supernatural being that "started it all" does not contribute one iota to our understanding of the Universe; it is just another way of saying "I don't know". It is just, well, unnecessary; it solves nothing (but, to be fair, it does not hamper our quest for knowledge, either). Besides, only imagination is the limit when inventing such (non-interventionist) creative force; no description is any better than any other. Having no criteria to choose one, it is only logical to choose none, and leave this to the writers of SF novels*. (Kind of Occam's razor reasoning, I suppose...)

*) Scientists do think about this and sometimes choose the format of a novel for their musings. Sagan and Benford come to mind at the moment...
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Dragi "Bonzi" Raos Q#5196 MkII #080000376, 18GB green MkIIa #040103247, 60GB blue