The Universe is not just things...it is the space between. Matter does not get destroyed (unless it comes into contact with antimatter) and as such, even matter which breaks apart into its most basic atoms, and nothing which we would consider "things" were floating through space, it would still be "the Universe." In that sense, it has no beginning, nor end. There are plenty of valid, intellectually stimulating theories regarding what set off the explosion (big bang) which led to the state of things as they are now. But the idea that we are reversing our maps and patterns to try and trace it all back to the beginning, and trying to use that to explain away some big firecracker set off by a presence which is now no longer present is sort of silly.
My understanding is that now the theory involves something cyclical. There has never been anything to support the idea of a creator other than hearsay from people who themselves don't know. If you set out looking for a creator, or even considering it as a possibility, you're going to wind up with ideas pointing that way. But if one exists, it should simply be discovered like everything else. When we find it, I'll eat my hat. Until then I have nothing to fear in heaven.