Why does it seem that so many Bible literalists don't read the Bible literally when it comes to the end times

Because many interpret the Bible from the "American Way" or what they want to happen or what people will pay to hear. They explain away all other scriptures. For instance, Jesus said in John 6:39 & 40 that He would raise up him who believes on the last day. But a preacher told me he believes in the rapture because he didn't want to go through it and therefore interprets it as the last days. You mentioned the anti-christ, I look for the 2 prophets in Revelation 11. They come just before the anti-christ and tell things straight from God. Of course the whole world hates them.