Please tell me another way the universe could be created that does not fall into one of these two categories.Incorrect, there are infinite possibilities and options.There are two options as to how the universe came to be.
Stars are still being formed and destroyed at the moment. There is no set amount of stars and they did not just start at one time. It is a cycle.As for option #1, if the universe has always been around, then there would be no more stars as they would have burned up already. And since there are stars, I think we can count this one out.
The same principle applies to a god... We do not fail to realise the dilemma and we continue to seek out the answer.For option #2.1, it is just not possible. Evolutionists say that there was a big bang. But, if there was nothing, then there cannot be something. Even today, there takes energy to make an explosion. You cannot make something out of nothing. In response to the need for energy, Evolutionists say that before the big bang all the energy in the universe was held in a single point. But they fail to realize that this energy had to come from somewhere. If the energy has just always been there, then that goes back to Option #1 which shows how energy cannot be infinitely in existance.
Perhaps, but what makes God the outside source? Why not Zeus? Or Chaos? Or Allah?The only way to explain how the universe came into existance then, is that an outside source created it. The only option that I believe is possible is that God Almighty created the universe as recorded in Genesis.
You disprove this conclusion in your 2.1 point. To have always been would be representative of energy "infinitely in existence." If you make God an exception, what is to prevent anyone from creating other exceptions? Or I guess they have through the large variety of religions.To your question about where did God come from, God has always been. We cannot know what happened before time began besides what the only witness, God, has told us. And God has told us that He has always been. You can take it or leave it but this is my opinion.
There is no certainty, only pattern and recognition. What eternity?Hopefully this helps! and also with your question, dont believe me because I said it is true. And dont believe others because they say they are right or because it sounds good. Believe what you believe because you have thoroughly examined it and found no flaw. Take responsibility for your life and dont let others decide for you. Your eternity depends on what you believe so make sure you are right!
God is not limited by time, matter, space etc. He made them! You cannot say God must have been created at a certain time because God was before time! God is not an exception since He made it. Also, I dont have the time energy or space right now but if you look at all the evidence that points to a divine being, it will most certainly point you to the God of the Bible. You can choose to accept the evidence how you like, but if you truly look at the evidence, without bias, then you will see that it points to the God of the Bible.
And you said "there is no certainty". Are you certain about that?
And about eternity, If atheism is right, then there are no consequences after we die. We are living for nothing. But if Christianity is right? then there will be eternal torture and torment in a Lake of Fire for those who do not believe. That is a huge difference!