Jack, this new idea of something being "nothing" is not found in conventional science text books today. The definition is changing. They are finding that the BIg Bang may have started from something rather than nothing. There are quantum elements that are being discovered.
There is no universal acceptance of this theory however research is being done on it.

Regarding the division found in religions, the character of Christ in the King James Version is ambiguous at best. The only model worthwhile in the entire book in my opinion is the Beatitudes which are hardly consistent with other attributions to Jesus. Still, this is mythology and not verifiable by any empirical means. Jesus' character is divided.

Do Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, or (fill in the blanks) hold other's values as sacred as their own? I don't think so. There are plenty of wars for evidence.

I would doubt any religious person would hold atheist views as sacred.

When we discuss religion, we are talking about different ideas even within the same religion which is not monolithic.