[zeugma]

Assuming that the big bang theory is a legitimate model than how does science scientifically prove anything occurred before the physical universe came into creation?

Well, I believe Stephen Hawkings answered that particular question something along these lines...
It is pointless to even speculate about what came before the BB, because nothing that happened before that event could have any bearing upon what happened after it. There could well have been some really interesting things going on before the singularity (or whatever it was) expanded into the universe we see, but it doesn't matter because it just doesn't matter.

I think that's one reason Hawkings and Pope John Paul got along. The Pope said you shouldn't inquire about what was before the big bang, and Hawkings said "sure thing. It doesn't matter anyway." :-)

[DouglasKC]

Well, I believe Stephen Hawkings answered that particular question something along these lines... It is pointless to even speculate about what came before the BB, because nothing that happened before that event could have any bearing upon what happened after it. There could well have been some really interesting things going on before the singularity (or whatever it was) expanded into the universe we see, but it doesn't matter because it just doesn't matter.
I think that's one reason Hawkings and Pope John Paul got along. The Pope said you shouldn't inquire about what was before the big bang, and Hawkings said "sure thing. It doesn't matter anyway." :-)

And from a purely scientific point of view it doesn't matter because the laws of physical science do not apply. That's truly where science and religion become one. :-)