C. S. Lewis expressed it very colorfully when he compared it to a child who would not leave off making mud-pies in the slums because he could not imagine what was meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. (I did not put that in quotes, because I may not have it verbatim.) Those who reach that marvelous place will be so transformed in the process that they will be perfectly at home, supremely happy, and eternally so. Our imaginations are not really able to contain what might really be in store. When the Queen of Sheba saw Solomon's wealth and glory, she declared that she had not previously believed half of what she had heard, when she could now see that what she had heard was not even half of the truth. I think that will be the case in heaven.

I think in this case the description is a metaphor for everything in heaven far surpassing in beauty and quality anything we see in this life. There may or may not literally be "streets of gold", but whatever there are will be inconceivably beautiful. 1 Cor. 2:9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

The question; would the average person who is used to trees and flowers and home want that kind of setting? Since the Bible tells us that a description is beyond our imagination, to dream of what it would be like is feeble at best.1 Cor. 2:9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" What appears to me is that the question above points out clearly that the questioner is more concern of us being content with being in Heaven if we can relate the experience to some place on Earth. God I pray, that Heaven is no way anything liken to Earth.

Yes, "the average person" is always wanting 'to get away from it all'. Perhaps there he'll at last find something he doesn't want to get away from.

You really have an issue when you try to find the 'average person'. Who knows what another or most will like. Your question is really a deeper one. To restate it I would ask, "If one finds their given environment 'heavenly' (enjoyable beyond compare) would they be as happy in an environment they can't imagine enjoying even though a book tells them they should enjoy it?" For example, say I find the beach the place I'm most at peace in. The bible (revelation) suggests I would be much happier in a place where the streets are made of solid metal. True, it is a soft metal but compared with the beach it is much less giving underfoot. I, personally, would not like to live in city with gold streets. It just seems too crass. Also, aren't we supposed to be able to fly? What if I want to drive a car? Can I have a Ferrari or is driving not allowed because the engine noise bothers other guests? I'd say the answer to your question is "No, you would not like such a setting." The only way you could is if you weren't your true self. You'd have to convince yourself to like such a setting if your heart is set on a different environment or you'd be on drugs of some sort- again, not your true self. This kind of conflict isn't the only difficulty of a 'heaven' as described in the bible. A greater problem arises when we consider people's wishes. For example, say I like to ride bikes outdoors on Saturday afternoons but my mother likes to have me and my family over for lunch on Saturday afternoons. Whose will wins and who gets to enjoy their time? Can we both have our way at the same time? We can't be at both places at the same time (I think) and probably wouldn't want to be. Again, the concept of heaven is complex when we try to consider it from a logical, conscious standpoint, which is not to say we don't have the capacity to understand it. It's more to say that the descriptions of it in the bible fall short of all the human needs and desires mankind has grasped throughout our unique histories. Trying to make one shoe fit all by throwing out the most precious object at the time of writing is really amateurish and unfortunate for those who seek spiritual guidance. My conclusion is that no one knows the mind of God- not even the authors who dreamed up the bible. As well-intended as they were I think they have indirectly caused a lot of confusion and suffering. That said, I believe the bible may provide some moral guidance but I wouldn't take it literally, especially the lunatic rantings in Revelations. Now, keep in mind that there are those who would happily throw out 'thou shalt not kill' after hearing this from me but I think we have to recognize that God doesn't need the bible to exist and only a fool or liar would claim to know the mind of God. If God prefers honesty then I think it's fair to have an honest discussion about our understanding of the bible- particularly when something sounds like baloney. Then again, perhaps God gave us baloney to keep us all busy. Perhaps the baloney is a challenge to see if we can set it aside and be good to one another or if we use the baloney to back up our hatred for those who aren't exactly like us. God is brilliant.

If gold, crystal and jewels where everywere then they would not be rare therefor not precious.

The description of streets of gold etc is a symbol for the beauty of the place and the fact that it surpasses all beauty and wealth the earth can offer. I remember a story told to me once about a businessman who insisted that he be allowed to take ONE suitcase to heaven with him. St Peter gave him permission, so he piled it with gold bars. When he got to heaven, St PEter asked him what was in the bag that was so precious to him. WHen he opened it, St Peter was astounded "You brought pavement?" You see, the things we have on earth become as nothing when we stand before the Throne of God. Everything that was important is now so commonplace that after a while, we won't notice it. All we will see is Jesus on the Throne of God, and feel His love. BTW, there is a tree in heaven: 1Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (REV.22)

Christians wince to hear the beliefs of Muslims and don’t realize that their beliefs are as shocking to many rational thinking people. I am not suggesting that all Muslims and Christians are not rational thinking people because many of them do not believe in silly ideas and unverifiable statements. But the golden street s is just as silly as the 27 or how many virgins in Islam

I wouldn't want it, that is very materialistic, I would like a place that is very peaceful where i can practice my beliefs quietly and peacefully, pretty much a place that is my "zen" as some would put it.

GOD in His infinite wisdom has constructed a perfect heaven....unimaginable and incomparable ...where will be in His eternal presence. Those who enter His kingdom will desire nothing else.

Yes,Heaven is also comprised of a river,the Tree of life,gates of pearl,twelve walls also of gold and according to the book of John there are many mansions. But I believe that the #1 focus of all who make it in will be to see Jesus.