Time exists within the universe not separate from it. It was created "when" the universe was created and will cease to exist "when" the universe collapses in on itself and dies. Although not really "when" because there was no time. There is no true end or beginning to the universe because ends and beginnings require time.
Therefore, the Cosmological Argument is defunct. Every temporal event has a cause, but cause and effect only occurs within time. Outside of our universe and outside of time there is no before and so the origin of our universe requires no cause.
EDIT: I'm not saying this is absolute truth. I realize these truths are unknowable to the human mind. But it's still fun to think about.
Therefore, the Cosmological Argument is defunct. Every temporal event has a cause, but cause and effect only occurs within time. Outside of our universe and outside of time there is no before and so the origin of our universe requires no cause.
EDIT: I'm not saying this is absolute truth. I realize these truths are unknowable to the human mind. But it's still fun to think about.