Q 1:
Is a person who believes that someone other than Allah is managing the universe considered a Kafir (disbeliever)?
A: Whoever believes this is considered a Kafir, because he has associated partners with Allah in His Lordship. He is even worse in disbelief than many of the Mushrikun (those who associate others with Allah in worship) who set up partners with Allah in His Divinity.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.