Final answer:
Thomas Paine, influenced by the Enlightenment, would likely accept scientific theories like the Big Bang as the origin of the universe, aligning with modern understanding of cosmic evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Thomas Paine were alive today, he would probably accept as the origin of the universe the scientifically supported theories such as the Big Bang. Paine, a revolutionary intellectual of his time, was known for his pamphlet 'Common Sense', which criticized monarchies and called for the establishment of a republic built on representation and the public good. Considering the evolution of scientific thought since the 18th century, such as Darwin's theory of evolution and modern astronomy, it's reasonable to speculate that Paine would be aligned with the contemporary understanding of cosmic and biological origins.
Physicists today have a far deeper understanding of the cosmos than in Paine's time. They have refuted earlier theories such as the primeval fission model and support the idea that the universe was once extremely dense and hot, expanding and cooling over time to form the current universe. Paine, who was influenced by Enlightenment thinking and advocated for reason and science, would likely embrace these scientific developments as the origin story of our universe.