re: “Well, looking at all the natural catastrophes, diseases like small pox etc., congenital birth defects etc., and other maladies afflicting Man, I’d kinda have to say that God is sadistic.”
Ok, so you’re conclusion is that all natural catastrophes and diseases, birth defects, etc. must be laid at God’s feet because if “He” exists, then a loving “God” wouldn’t allow such things, and, if “He” does exist, and allows such things to happen, then you’ve decided that the only possible, reasonable conclusion is that “He” cannot be good or loving and must therefore be “sadistic”.
Beside the fact that you have apparantly brushed aside the many thoughtful Christian thinkers over the ages who have attempted to give answers and meaning to the problem of suffering and evil -
Then, how do you as an atheist (I’m making this assumption, so if I’m wrong, please correct me) account for evil and what comfort can you give those who are enduring suffering and catastrophes?
How is that apparent? Because my opinion differs from yours (or theirs)? No, I have not "brushed them aside." I have given them due consideration, examined their arguments, and come to my own conclusions. (Conclusions, by the way, which many other reputable persons share.) Isn't that what a thinking person is supposed to do? Use their critical thinking faculties?
Then, how do you as an atheist (I’m making this assumption, so if I’m wrong, please correct me) account for evil [...]
To begin with, the word "evil" is highly charged and also vague. Specifically, since you are asking about "Evil" with a capital "E" - I know that you didn't spell it that way, but the lack of a qualifier like "certain" (as in "certain evils") or of a restrictive subordinate clause (as in "evil caused by natural forces" or "evil attributable to Man") forces me to infer what you meant. So, for the purpose of my reply, let me make it clear that I am referring - not to moral evil - but rather to natural catastrophes.
So, how do I account for natural catastrophes (earthquakes, etc.)?
Ask a geologist! He can explain why we have earthquakes far better than I.
By the way, many "thoughful Christian thinkers" - including the present Pope - also believe that natural catastrophes have natural causes. Also that solar eclipses are not caused by a dragon swallowing the sun...
[...] and what comfort can you give those who are enduring suffering and catastrophes?
How would I comfort a victim of such catastrophes? I would try to alleviate their material suffering and be of good cheer! I would also attempt to take concrete measures to protect us all against such catastrophes (installing tsunami warning systems, etc.)
Regards,