Speculation about the origin of the universe is as ancient as the human mind. Human beings are the only creatures who can do this! The response to earthly natural phenomena was often that of polytheism. There was a "god" for just about everything, including inspiration in poetry, history, the arts, etc. (the Muses) in Greek mythology. The story of Israel contains the struggle to avoid polytheism because the ancient prophets were constantly denouncing the introduction of various deities into the practice of faith. This was particularly true in regard to agricultural fertility and weather. Any visit to Athens or to places where the Roman Empire occupied the area shows how temples were built to various deitiies. The books of the Maccabees, the last of the Old Testament historical literature are about the rebellion of Jews against their Greek-oriented rulers for introducing Greek religious practices. St. Paul's speech in Athens [Acts 17:23-31] shows his exasperation with polytheism and points to the "altar to the Unknown God" as a hint that the Greeks were missing something!
The roots of our own faith are in Judaism and a belief in one God (monotheisim). Psalm 19 -"The heavens declare the glory of God...." is a hymn to the God of all creation. Psalm 8:3-6 speaks of the beauty of the night sky and the Creator's work. Astronomers continually speak of discoveries about the immensity of the universe through spatial telescopes traveling beyond the solar system! Speculation about the stars led the Magi to Jesus! Everyday at the celebration of the Eucharist, we declare: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts! Heaven and earth are full of your glory!" The existence and providence of God is all around us and above us if we pay attention. The Book of Wisdom challenges us to see the wisdom of God in creation and to take care of it. AMEN