Well I think even you can see the difference between a fantastic natural catastrophe that froze a city in place nearly instantly and an empty tomb. As you say 'That is a ridiculous claim'. It's so far beyond a false equivalence.
Edit: please note, some sources within the book itself are nonchristian, to my understanding.
As much historical evidence as we can get for something 20 centuries old. There's a bit of context required here. NonChristian sources confirm the tomb was empty.
We should also note roman soldiers were to guard these tombs under the threat of death, or so I remember.
I feel your pain and I was there some years back. I think the most important questions you need to ask are "Who is Jesus?" and "Is Jesus telling the truth?"
I say focus on Jesus because the other questions you are asking will fall in line if you can answer these two questions. And I encourage you not to take these questions lightly but to really wrestle with them. Read different opinions if it will help.
There is a man named Frank Morison who set out to prove Christianity was a myth but the more he delved into the historical texts and asked the questions I encourage you to ask, he ended up becoming a Christian. He documented this in his book "Who Moved the Stone?"
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-Stone-Frank-Morison/dp/0310295610
Also, consider reading Lee Strobel's "The Case for Christ". He was an atheist until his wife converted to Christianity one day which set him to start looking hard at the evidence.
Also, consider listening to the Stand to Reason podcast with Gregory Koukl. He sets out to present clear-thinking Christianity and often debates atheists who call into his show. www.str.org
Hope this helps.