Yes but when you start from a basis of make believe, you can continue to make it up as you go on. In a weird way, that makes pete (or the people he cuts and pastes, I wouldn't wish to give him credit for actually sitting and considering beetles) more consistent than you think.

The boutique Christians have it even easier. They can swap between make believe and reality at will and claim credibility in either sector.

The pointy hats and titles stemming from "revere" help with the credibility bit, as well as being allowed to scrutinise democratic government for all in our country's case.