The principle that "every effect has a cause" is often referred to as the principle of causality. It suggests that events or phenomena have causes that precede and explain their occurrence. However, it's important to note that the principle of causality, as understood in the context of our everyday experiences, may not directly apply to the origin of the universe itself.
When discussing the existence of God, the argument from causality often takes the form of the cosmological argument. It posits that the universe, as an effect, must have a cause, and that cause is considered to be God. This argument assumes that the universe had a definite beginning or that it is contingent, meaning it depends on something else for its existence.
However, it's crucial to recognize that our understanding of causality stems from observations within the universe, where cause and effect relationships are commonplace. Applying the principle of causality to the origin of the universe is a subject of ongoing philosophical and scientific inquiry, and it involves tackling complex concepts such as the nature of time, causality in a pre-Big Bang state (if such a state existed), or even the possibility of an infinite regress of causes.
Scientifically, the prevailing model of the universe's origin is the Big Bang theory, which describes the expansion of the universe from a highly dense and hot state. The specific cause or event leading to the Big Bang is still a topic of investigation, and our current scientific understanding reaches back to a certain point shortly after the Big Bang, but not to its exact moment of origin.
It's worth noting that the existence of the universe, as we understand it, does not prove or disprove the existence of God or any specific religious conception of a creator. The question of the existence of God is complex and multifaceted, encompassing various philosophical, theological, and personal perspectives that go beyond empirical scientific inquiry.
Ultimately, whether the existence of the universe supports the existence of God is a matter of personal belief, faith, and interpretation. Individuals may reach different conclusions based on their philosophical, religious, and scientific perspectives.