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These questions are among the questions that the Buddha refused to answer one way or the other because he considered them distractions from the meditative life.[i]

The real goal of Buddhism is the elimination of suffering in oneself and others and is purposefully silent on the 'big questions.'

[i] http://www.faculty.umb.edu/michael_lafargue/104/204/budd/rdn...

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Discouraging certain questions is at the core of most/all religions/cults/belief systems, it's how you maintain group integrity and subservience to leaders and deities/pseudo-deities. Questions are ultimately disruptive. I don't just mean spiritual beliefs, I mean anything that isn't hard science.

The goal of many religions also happens to help it's followers lead a peaceful life, and you're right certain questions are ultimately disruptive, and that's exactly why many religions are vague on certain questions - they distract you from being able to lead a peaceful life.

By the way, one religion without leaders and without deities is fundamental Taoism. There's no one who can lead you on the path but you.

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