The number of people who believe it doesnt matter. Facts dont change based on the number of people who believe it. They say its true, but they cant prove it. There is no historical or archeological or scientific proof for it. Saying its fiction does not stop people from taking comfort in it or using it as some sort of moral compass. Some people do. A person can get comfort and learn many lessons in morality and other things from works of fiction. Thats a big part of what literature does aside from entertain.
I agree but when one labels someone's belief system as fiction it places a judgement on that belief. It's like telling someone, you are an idiot. Most people get bent out of shape about that.
That part is more confusing to me as I age. I have my own personal belief system and if people label me as far out or stupid to believe such, it no longer affects me since my need to please is lessening. Nor do I feel the need to argue the point any longer. I am just happy to muddle along exploring my own path. If people ask me about it, I share otherwise, meh, we all have our own path to walk.
Some belief systems are interpreted as needing defense of said belief system. I see it on FB all the time. People post pictures of Christ with challenges to keep the posting going by implying if you don't post it, you are ashamed of it or lacking in strength of belief. That is just untrue but the attempt to manipulate is certainly evident and people fall prey to that because they feel less than if they don't. I guess it's the need to be part of the pack which is a survival mechanism.
When it really comes down to it, we both know the existence of god and the nature of god can not be proven...it comes from personal experience...thus my experience is as real as yours or theirs or someone else's no?.