"The theory of epicycles - the idea that celestial bodies moved in small circles as they traced larger orbits around the Earth - is arguably the most famous aspect of Greek astronomy. Although often scoffed at, it was actually very good at explaining the apparent movements of the Sun, Moon and planets through the sky, and it pretty much defined our view of the cosmos (see top three pics for various examples) until Kepler came up with the idea of elliptical orbits in the early 17th century AD."
I suspect we are lacking some fundamental knowledge of the nature of our Universe. Take gravity for example, we are very good at explaining its effects but we have no idea of what it is or how it bends space/time. Ergo I have every hard time believing correct any theory that creates something from absolutely nothing. When I said nothing I am not talking about a zero point energy system. I am refering to what existed before anything existed.
I will now take a look at your something from nothing reference, and thank you for providing it.
I don't understand why you'd be uncomfortable with a God whose mere Word -- the Laws of Universe -- would in itself be sufficient to cause the universe to create itself. God is not substantially removed from the process of creation by that modality. Indeed, it seems to me to identify the ongoing process of creation -- countless particles spring out of the vacuum and return to it in your own body every second, for example -- with the sustenance and guarantee of the Creator.