As interesting as the answers given may have been, one of the inescapable
conclusions of this entire thread is that we know absolutely nothing about
the origins of the universe, if any. We can no more state with scientific
certainty that it was created, than we can state that it has always existed.
We can no more prove that it has purpose than we can prove it hasn't. Any
answer we can imagine constitutes a conjecture. Asserting our beliefs as an
answer constitutes a personal leap of faith. Not recognizing this fact is
where the trouble lies, as we try to somehow force our leaps of faith (or
non-faith) on others in defense of our moral codes or values, or even egos.
Right or wrong, we humans have built our societies around those leaps of
faith, and the best we can do is tolerate each other's belief. (Or
non-belief, whatever the case may be).
Some folks replied as if I was trying to convince them that they should
believe in God. I am not.
At least one other poster started his response by asking what it would take
to convince me [of something]. My answer to that gentleman is quite
simple, 'just write your own opinions, I can reach my own conclusions, just
as you can'