Argument Against an Infinite Past

[Neo-Scholastic]

Cause and effect is, by its very definition, a temporal concept. The cause must precede the effect, so by attempting to explain creation with a first cause, you are thereby ascribing that first cause a temporal position. If time does not exist, however, doing so is impossible and nonsensical.

Well, within your folk understanding of cause you are right. In philosophy, you will find distinctions between various types of cause. Unfortunately, I'm debating this topic on two other threads and don't have much time to expand. If you want you can look up these terms: formal cause, efficient cause, material cause, and final cause.

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Physicists have agile minds that are able to manipulate multiple layers of symbolic meanings. This makes following their expressions an edifying mental exercise beyond the mere face values of their meanings, and offer some insight into how their minds work and make the connections between the different layers.

Ha ha ha ha ha, I say the same thing about the multiple layers of meaning in the Holy Scriptures and you scoff. Now you want do the same for scientific ideas, which are supposed to be so clear cut and objective. Right back at you, buddy. Right back at you.