I'm with you. Even as a Christian I will totally agree that outside of belief in "God said..." being the beginning point, that you are totally correct in
"We don't know that the universe or existence had a beginning with any certainty. This argument also makes a pretty strong textbook example of special pleading" and your other arguments outlined here. I do not think that the apologist you quote has a sufficient argument, especially in light of what else you pointed out. Good post cj, I'll follow to see what else you post over time.