Why are literalists literalists?

Not at all. You are mixing up evidence that is cross checked via multiple scientific disciples with something that is a purely personal interpretation.Science insists on independant verification. The 'literalists' (actually inerranists) will automatically disregard any evidence/information that does not fit their preconcieved notions. This includes other "literalist" intepretations, which is why so many of these small churches will fracture into even smaller churches.. because of the disagreement with one little phrase or another.

You say that , yet , you reject many pieces of scripture. Why do you do that?You reject the gnostic scripture. You reject some of the books the Catholics use. You reject a large number of books the Ethopian Orthodx Church uses in it's 'wide' canon.

So, your jdugement is so much better than the Judgement of millions? (or in the case of the books the Roman Catholics kept, the billion or so)They say they are inspired. Who are you to say they are wrong?